Advanced solar dynamic power systems for future space missions

A design and analysis study has been conducted to evaluate the applicability of solar dynamic power generation systems to a wide variety of future space missions. The most promising approach is to limit peak power cycle temperatures to approximately 1090 K by the utilization of lithium fluoride as a thermal energy storage medium which allows energy to be stored at a moderate temperature (1121 K). It was found that the Stirling system has potentially the highest performance, assuming that future test results of space systems fulfil theoretical predictions. Brayton systems, such as those being developed for the Space Station Freedom, will provide competitive performance with lower development risk