Design of a deployable solar concentrator using Fresnel lenses for space-based solar power applications

The concept of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) has captivated researchers worldwide due to its potential as a sustainable, long-term energy solution. However, numerous proposed designs for solar power collectors, particularly those utilizing conventional solar arrays, span kilometers in size and require large-scale deployable structures that are challenging to integrate into payloads, increasing the risk of mission failure. To address this challenge, we propose an umbrella-type deployable solar concentrator utilizing Fresnel lenses, known for their ultra-lightweight structure and high manufacturability. The proposed concentrator consists of a deployable framework that forms a parabolic curvature upon deployment, with Fresnel lenses mounted between the structural ribs to focus incoming solar radiation onto multi-junction solar cells. This optical concentration mechanism enhances power output across various incidence angles compared to conventional flat solar arrays, improving overall system efficiency. To validate the optical performance of the proposed design, simulations were conducted using Zemax OpticStudio, evaluating key parameters such as focusing efficiency and energy concentration ratio under varying sunlight angles. The results confirm the concentrator’s ability to efficiently focus solar radiation, demonstrating its feasibility for space-based applications. Upon successful deployment, this innovative system could significantly reduce the required solar panel area while maintaining effective light concentration across different incidence angles, thereby minimizing both the volume and mass constraints associated with SBSP missions.