Abstract: A solar power conversion system using a plurality of engines to convert solar energy to electrical energy. The plurality of engines are supported adjacent to a housing having a single thermal cavity. The cavity is provided with solar energy from a solar collector. Each of the engines can be turned off or regulated to maintain an optimum operating temperature for a common heater head in communication with each of the engines. Therefore, the power conversion system can be regulated for variations in insolation to maintain an optimum temperature in the heater head. Therefore, increased life cycle energy efficiency of the power conversion system can be obtained.

Abstract: A solar power conversion system using a plurality of engines to convert solar energy to electrical energy. The plurality of engines are supported adjacent to a housing having a single thermal cavity. The cavity is provided with solar energy from a solar collector. Each of the engines can be turned off or regulated to maintain an optimum operating temperature for a common heater head in communication with each of the engines. Therefore, the power conversion system can be regulated for variations in insolation to maintain an optimum temperature in the heater head. Therefore, increased life cycle energy efficiency of the power conversion system can be obtained.

Abstract: A solar power conversion system using a plurality of engines to convert solar energy to electrical energy. The plurality of engines are supported adjacent to a housing having a single thermal cavity. The cavity is provided with solar energy from a solar collector. Each of the engines can be turned off or regulated to maintain an optimum operating temperature for a common heater head in communication with each of the engines. Therefore, the power conversion system can be regulated for variations in insolation to maintain an optimum temperature in the heater head. Therefore, increased life cycle energy efficiency of the power conversion system can be obtained.

Abstract: A solar power conversion system using a plurality of engines to convert solar energy to electrical energy. The plurality of engines are supported adjacent to a housing having a single thermal cavity. The cavity is provided with solar energy from a solar collector. Each of the engines can be turned off or regulated to maintain an optimum operating temperature for a common heater head in communication with each of the engines. Therefore, the power conversion system can be regulated for variations in insolation to maintain an optimum temperature in the heater head. Therefore, increased life cycle energy efficiency of the power conversion system can be obtained.

Abstract: A combined generator device for use in a satellite capable of generating electrical power and thrust from an optical solar image. The combined generator includes a first receiver positioned to receive and store the outer, low-intensity region of the optical solar image. An electrical power generator thermally coupled to the first receiver uses the stored thermal energy to produce electricity. The combined generator also includes a thrust generator having a second receiver. The second receiver is positioned to receive and absorb the inner, high-intensity region of the optical solar image. A heat exchanger of the combined generator transfers the thermal energy from the second receiver into a supply of propellant which is vented to a nozzle to produce thrust.

Abstract: A combined generator device for use in a satellite capable of generating electrical power and thrust from an optical solar image. The combined generator includes a first receiver positioned to receive and store the outer, low-intensity region of the optical solar image. An electrical power generator thermally coupled to the first receiver uses the stored thermal energy to produce electricity. The combined generator also includes a thrust generator having a second receiver. The second receiver is positioned to receive and absorb the inner, high-intensity region of the optical solar image. A heat exchanger of the combined generator transfers the thermal energy from the second receiver into a supply of propellant which is vented to a nozzle to produce thrust.

Abstract: A combined generator device for use in a satellite capable of generating electrical power and thrust from an optical solar image. The combined generator includes a first receiver positioned to receive and store the outer, low-intensity region of the optical solar image. An electrical power generator thermally coupled to the first receiver uses the stored thermal energy to produce electricity. The combined generator also includes a thrust generator having a second receiver. The second receiver is positioned to receive and absorb the inner, high-intensity region of the optical solar image. A heat exchanger of the combined generator transfers the thermal energy from the second receiver into a supply of propellant which is vented to a nozzle to produce thrust.

Abstract: A combined generator device for use in a satellite capable of generating electrical power and thrust from an optical solar image. The combined generator includes a first receiver positioned to receive and store the outer, low-intensity region of the optical solar image. An electrical power generator thermally coupled to the first receiver uses the stored thermal energy to produce electricity. The combined generator also includes a thrust generator having a second receiver. The second receiver is positioned to receive and absorb the inner, high-intensity region of the optical solar image. A heat exchanger of the combined generator transfers the thermal energy from the second receiver into a supply of propellant which is vented to a nozzle to produce thrust.

Abstract: A solar thermal engine for propelling and powering a craft. The solar thermal engine includes a housing, a propellant annulus, a plurality of static power converters and an electrical energy storage device. The housing has an optical cavity for receiving a beam of concentrated sunlight and converting the beam into ambient thermal energy. The propellant annulus is coupled to the housing and is selectively operable in a heating mode wherein the propellant annulus transmits at least a first portion of the ambient thermal energy to heat a flow of propellant. The plurality of static power converters are coupled to the housing and receive the first portion of the ambient thermal energy when the propellant annulus is not operated in the heating mode. The plurality of static power converters employ the first portion of the ambient thermal energy to generate electrical energy.

Abstract: A power system heat source applicable to spacecraft and the like is realized in a combination of an integrated solar absorber-thermal storage assembly 10 and a solar energy focusing unit 50. The focusing unit is capable of selectively functioning inflatable pie-shaped wedges 60 which form a cover for the solar energy focusing unit to control collected radiation effectively and reliably.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for pointing an optical concentrator 20 in an extraterrestrial environment. A base 12 rigidly supports focal point equipment 16. At least three support means 18 are utilized for connecting the optical concentrator 20 to the base 12. The support means 18 include actuation means 28 for providing differential motion between the base 12 and the optical concentrator 20 and further include gimballing means 32,36 for accommodating the differential motion and independently gimballing the optical concentrator 20 with respect to the focal point equipment 16.