Solar concentrator
A solar concentrator concentrates the power of the sun onto a small area. This energy is harnessed in a variety of ways. For example, a system called SCARLET is currently flying on Deep Space I.
Contents
Designs
Lenses
A variety of lense designs are used to concentrate sunlight. A lense may be a simple piece of curved glass or plastic, or a complex Fresnel lense.
Mirrors
Fields of mirrors are used in some concentrated solar facilities on Earth. The individual mirrors rotate to track the sun.
Fiber Optics
Utilization of Focused Solar Radiation
Photovoltaics
Solar concentrators are often used in conjunction with solar panels to increase the panel's output. This maximizes the efficiency of a limited number of solar panels.
Thermal Engines
The energy of the sun can boil liquids, causing changes in pressure. These pressure changes are harnessed by thermal engines. It is likely that liquids other than water will be used, due to the low temeratures on the surface. Common thermal engine designs include the Sterling engine and the steam engine.
Thermoelectric Generators
Thermoelectric materials convert heat into electricity.
Photosynthesis
Greenhouses are a good target for solar concentration. The natural sunlight on Mars is less than half that on Earth.
Lighting
Concentrated sunlight can be used to light settlements during the day.
Dangers
Concentrated solar radiation can become hazardous in some situations.
Radiation Damage
If solar radiation is concentrated for use in greenhouses or settlements, the harmful parts of the electromagnetic spectrum need to be filtered.
Vision Damage
Looking directly into concentrated sunlight can damage vision.
Heat Damage
Objects passing through the focus of a solar concentrator can be exposed to intense light and extremely high temperatures.
