Development of a line-focus refractive concentrator array for space applications

The NASA Lewis program in refractive photovoltaic concentrator technology has made tremendous strides over the past few years. Studies have shown that, compared to other concentrator systems, the line-focus refractive concentrator concept offers a number of very important advantages: relaxation of precise array tracking requirements to only a single axis; low-cost mass production of the lens material; improved shape error tolerance, etc. The first active space flight experiment of the domed refractive concentrator technology was conducted on the PASP Plus Flight Experiment. Early results from this experiment have confirmed the high performance and viability of this concentrator approach. Significant progress has also been made in the development of the panel structure. New panel designs emphasize light weight, high stiffness, stowability and ease of manufacturing and assembly. Based on these recent advancements, the program has now shifted its emphasis to an array-level space flight demonstration.