The smaller collector area is only of relevance if the collector size is limited for deployment or mechanical reasons, e.g. for solar power satellites or for orbits below 700 km where the aerodynamic drag is still significant. The main application potential for solar dynamic systems is in the low earth orbit region, especially for Space Stations with power demands greater than 10 kWe. Another potential is seen for high power converting and/or consuming satellites like solar power satellites requiring huge collectors which are difficult to handle. Additionally, the possibility of the solar dynamic system to provide thermal energy with high efficiency could be of importance for future space production processes. As a conclusion and recommendation for circular orbits it can be stated that for inclinations within 0° and 30° and for altitudes below 1500 km the worst case design (storage capacity and collector area are designed according to the maximum eclipse) is an appropriate approach. For highly inclined (more than 30°) and/or eccentric and/or high altitude orbits (above 1500 km) the system optimization requires a compromise between power system mass and continuous power availability. The worst case design is far from an optimum, because the maximum eclipse is a rare situation. The currently discussed joint Russian-US Space Station is planned to operate a solar dynamic power system in a proposed 51.6° inclined orbit (inclination of Mir) [8], For this inclination the overall solar power system optimization is of great importance as outlined in this paper. 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 nm the power conversion unit in its idle mode in order to avoid the stop and go of the power conversion unit. The main penalty of the dynamic option is that it never has been proven in space. The potential of this alternative to photovoltaic will possibly be realized in a joint effort of Russia and the USA according to their current Space Station plans. References: [1] H.O. Ruppe, "Introduction to Astronautics, Vol. 2", Academic Press, New York, 1967. [2] J. Blumenberg, H.O. Ruppe, "Optimization of Solar Power Plants with Rotating Electric Generators", Acta Astronautica, Vol. 9, 1982.
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