Influence of Orbit on Solar-Dynamic Power Systems S. Weingartner' *, J. Blumenberg., H.O. Ruppe ** Summary: The overall system optimization of a solar power system operating in LEO has to consider both, the mass specific power and the system efficiency. This paper discusses the main influence of orbit parameters on mass and efficiency of solar dynamic power systems, consisting of a collector, a receiver with an integrated latent heat storage, a radiator and a power conversion unit transforming heat into electricity. Mass and efficiency of the solar dynamic system are mainly a function of the orbit altitude, if a constant power output is required. This function is derived and discussed. The results are presented in such a way that they allow a direct comparison with photovoltaic systems. For high altitude, high inclination and high eccentricity orbits it is proposed to allow a reduction of the delivered electrical power during long eclipses in order to reduce the power system's mass. This can result in dormant phases for certain orbits, where the solely task of the thermal energy storage included in the dynamic system is to provide the heat necessary to run the power conversion unit in its idle mode in order to avoid the stop and go of the power conversion unit. These effects are discussed making use of the results obtained from the analytical and experimental work performed in recent years. (energy effective) collector area collected energy to feed the engine collected energy to feed the storage usable stored energy (TES output) latent heat of the storage medium mass of the receiver/storage unit mass of the storage medium (PCM) electrical power output * Deutsche Aerospace AG, Munich, Germany ** Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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