Optical Waveguide Solar Energy System for Lunar Material Processing

by Takashi Nakamura, Physical Sciences Inc, San Ramon, United States,
Constance L. Senior, Physical Sciences Inc, San Ramon, United States,
James M. Shoji, Physical Sciences Inc, San Ramon, United States,
Robert D. Waldron, Physical Sciences Inc, San Ramon, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space IV

Abstract:

This paper summarizes a study of the optical waveguide (OW) solar energy system for lunar material processing. In the OW solar energy system, solar radiation is collected by the concentrator and transferred to an OW transmission line consisting of low-loss optical fibers and related optical components. The OW line transmits the high intensity solar radiation to the thermal reactor of the lunar material processing plant. Based on the results discussed in this paper we conclude that the OW solar energy system is a viable concept which can effectively utilize solar energy for lunar material processing.

Subject Headings: Lunar materials | Solar power | Materials processing | Energy infrastructure | Solar radiation | Power transmission lines | Power transmission

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