Ground Simulation Testing of Solar Receiver for the Space Station

The solar dynamic power module proposed for the space station uses the heat of fusion of a phase change material (PCM) to efficiently store thermal energy for use during eclipse periods.Experimental investigation has been conducted in solar simulation testing for the heat receiver in the Brayton engine used as the solar dynamic option for the space station.This paper discusses solar receiver ground based experiments and analytical heat transfer studies.The hardware,test procedures,and test results from these experiments are discussed.After more than 100 simulated space station orbital cycles,no canister cracks or leaks were observed and all data were successfully collected.The results show that the output temperature of the gas from the working fluid tubes met the expected demand during the sunlight and eclipse periods,the maximum temperature and average temperature of the PCM container were all within the safe range.