Development of a dome Fresnel lens/gallium arsenide photovoltaic concentrator for space applications

A novel photovoltaic concentrator system is currently being developed. Phase I of the program, completed in late 1986, produced a conceptual design for the concentrator system, including an array weight and performance estimates based on optical, electrical, and thermal analyses. Phase II of the program, just underway, concerns the fabrication and testing of prototype concentrator panels of the design. The concentrator system uses dome Fresnel lenses for optical concentration; gallium arsenide concentrator cells for power generation; prismatic cell covers to eliminate gridline obscuration losses; a backplane radiator for heat rejection; and a honeycomb structure for the deployable panel assembly. The conceptual design of the system, its anticipated performance, and its estimated weight are reported.