A space self-integrated micro-concentrator design: the SLIT

Abstract

Concentrator photovoitaics technology can be a cost-effective solution for powering specific spatial missions. Compared to classical concentrators, micro-optical systems reduces the weight, the need in materials and the cost of solar arrays while increasing the efficiency [1]. This work describes a new concept especially dedicated to space application: a linear Total Internal Reflection (TIR) module, operating at a low concentration (7.6 X), and called SLIT (Space Linear TIR) module. Requiring no deployment system for optics, extremely angular independent, the efficiency of the first prototype is around 18% and preliminary thermal tests enhance a stable behavior for optics.