High Efficiency SOTV Concentrator Systems Based on Asymmetric Inherently Stiff Single Surface Membrane Shells

Mevicon Inc. and its partners are pleased to propose the advancement of single surface thin film membrane asymmetric shell structures for use as on-orbit solar concentrators for SOTVs The proposed inherently stiff membrane (ISM) technology shows strong promise to enable advanced concentrator structures that provide means for foldless stowage, deterministic self deployment, and self rigidization. Elimination of the transmissive canopy, enabled by removing the need to retain pressure to maintain shape, significantly improves concentration efficiency (25% over SOA) while simultaneously greatly reducing/eliminating other concentrator sub-system mass contributers, such as the canopy, torus reaction structure, and torus/lenticular pressurization make-up gas systems. The latter has strong mission life benefits as well. In Phase II we will advance the technology readiness level by concentrating on refining understanding of the structural behavior of asymmetric single surface membrane shells, demonstrate packaging, deployment, and rim stabilization approaches, and investigate manufacturing paths for concentrators of the required mission driven sizes. Scaled demonstrator is expected at end of Phase II. In a subsequent Phase III we plan to refine designs, demonstrate manufacturing of larger scale concentrators with an appropriate partner/end user, and begin efforts that would lead to flight or ground demonstration under Phase III+ activities.