Title :
On-Sun test results of McDonnell Douglas´ prototype solar thermophotovoltaic power system
Author :
Stone, K.W. ; Leingang, E.F. ; Kusek, S.M. ; Drubka, R.E. ; Fay, T.D.
Author_Institution :
McDonnell Douglas Electron. Syst. Co., Huntington Beach, CA, USA
Abstract :
A solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) power system has many attractive attributes for both space and terrestrial applications including high efficiency, high reliability, low mass, low operating costs, solar/gas hybrid operation and thermal storage capability for dispatchability. This paper describes the basic components and operation of a STPV system. It also presents the results of on-Sun testing with a testbed prototype at operating temperatures of 1350°C. The design and expected performance of the next generation testbed prototype is discussed. System analysis based upon the test data indicates that power performance in the 23% to 32% range can be achieved with a STPV power conversion system using existing technology
Keywords :
aerospace testing; photovoltaic cells; photovoltaic power systems; semiconductor device testing; solar cells; space vehicle power plants; 1350 C; 23 to 32 percent; applications; mass; on-Sun test results; operating costs; performance; reliability; solar thermophotovoltaic power system; space power; thermal storage capability; Aerospace testing; Hybrid power systems; Photovoltaic cells; Power system analysis computing; Power system reliability; Power systems; Prototypes; Space technology; System testing; Temperature;
Conference_Titel :
Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, 1994., Conference Record of the Twenty Fourth. IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference - 1994, 1994 IEEE First World Conference on
Conference_Location :
Waikoloa, HI
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-1460-3
DOI :
10.1109/WCPEC.1994.520763
