Abstract: A solar energy particle receiver system and method of use for precise and controlled heating, sintering, and/or phase change of particles. In one embodiment, the solar energy particle receiver system directs sunlight from a primary concentrator into supplemental concentrating reflective optic where the emitted sunlight is used to heat and sinter, melt, or induce a phase change of the particles such as regolith at a controlled temperature, the supplemental concentrating reflective optics cooled to prevent overheating and a sweeping gas directed at the reflective surface to prevent optical fouling. In one aspect, the supplemental concentrating reflective optic is a compound reflective concentrator. In one application, the particles are a regolith, such as a lunar regolith.

Abstract: A solar concentrator reactor system and method of use for high temperature thermochemical processes. In one embodiment, the solar concentrator reactor system produces a thermochemical reaction of irradiated particles within an enclosed vessel volume of a solar concentrator reactor. In one aspect, the solar concentrator reactor system uses a solar concentrator to irradiate particles of a particle stream within an enclosed vessel volume of a solar concentrator reactor. The thermochemical reaction yields a chemical change of the feedstock and/or phase transition of the feedstock such as the production of a molten reacted material from a solid particulate feed. In one embodiment, the particles are a lunar regolith and the thermochemical reaction yields oxygen.

Abstract: A vertically oriented solar concentrator reactor system and method of use for high temperature thermochemical processes and/or electrical power generation. In one embodiment, the vertically oriented solar concentrator reactor system produces a thermochemical reaction of a stream of irradiated particles arranged concentrically with a concentrated light cone. In one aspect, the vertically oriented solar concentrator reactor system collects an irradiated particle stream within a hot particle containment vessel which communicates thermal energy to a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger in turn driving an electrical power generator. In one embodiment, the particles are a lunar regolith.

Abstract: An example light concentrator system for precision thermal processes includes a stabilizing base and a structure attached to the stabilizing base. The structure includes support arms. An azimuth control rotates the structure. A primary solar collector on the support arms is rotatable about two axes based on various positions of the sun throughout the day. Elevation actuators adjust an angle of the primary solar collector relative to position of the sun. Collector distancing actuators adjust distance of the primary solar collector toward and away from the sun. A variety of Thermal Processing Units (TPUs) are configured for a specific process or set of processes implementing concentrated solar energy from the primary solar collector at the receiver plane. Position of the spot can be moved on a fixed receiver plane through translation of the lens relative to the support arms or through rotation of a redirecting mirror.