A review of solar concentration technology applications in deep space exploration: Environmental adaptability and performance comparison

Abstract

Deep space exploration missions and the construction of planetary research stations impose strict demands on energy self-sufficiency systems. Solar energy, due to its abundant availability and sustainability, has become the preferred solution. However, extreme environmental conditions in space – including drastic temperature fluctuations, vacuum environments, high-energy particles, and intense radiation – pose significant challenges to the performance and lifespan of solar energy systems. Concentration technology, which enhances photoelectric and photothermal conversion efficiency by focusing sunlight, is crucial for space missions. This review examines the primary environmental factors affecting the performance of solar concentrators, including solar irradiance, thermal cycling, vacuum-induced outgassing, radiation effects, and impacts from micrometeoroids and orbital debris. The analysis focuses on three types of high-temperature concentrators: Fresnel lenses, Scheffler concentrators, and parabolic dish concentrators. Fresnel lenses are characterized by low cost and simple structure but are susceptible to optical degradation at high temperatures. Scheffler concentrators utilize geometric optimization to improve uniformity of light distribution, while parabolic dish concentrators achieve high optical efficiency, making them suitable for high-energy applications though requiring precise solar tracking. Performance comparisons in the thermal power range of 0 to 25 kW reveal that parabolic dish concentrators excel in high-power scenarios with greater efficiency and smaller aperture sizes. Conversely, Fresnel lenses and Scheffler concentrators are more effective in medium to low-temperature applications. Based on these findings, this review emphasizes the need to select concentrators according to mission requirements and outlines future research directions. These include the development of advanced materials, optimized optical designs, and improvements in system integration to enhance the adaptability and reliability of solar concentration technologies in deep space missions.