SOLAR THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR SYSTEM CONCEPT AND FEASIBILITY STUDY.
Abstract
Ground level - natural sunlight testing of the solar powered thermoelectric generator hasbeen completed. Evaluation of the test data has shown that the short within the generator, which occurred during simulated altitude evaluation, has been repaired. Maximum power output obtained during solar testing was 20 watts. The waste heat radiator was operated at a lower temperature than would be encountered in a space atmosphere. The rate of heat input to the thermopile was therefore greater than that to be expected under space flight conditions. This shortened the cycle from 90 to 83.3 minutes. The integrated average for an 83.3 minute cycle is 17.82 watts or 24.8 watt hours output. The overall efficiency for the cycle is 3.55% including convection losses. Assuming the collector concentrator efficiency to be 86.6% the generator efficiency including reradiation but excluding convection losses from the vacity is 4.53%. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0415024
Entities
People
- D. A. Naumer
- J. L. Mccabria
Organizations
- Westinghouse Electric Corporation