RePowerSiC: High-Efficiency High-Power Laser Conversion Systems Based on SiC for Space Applications

The RePowerSiC project can open a path to high-power energy transmission technology for space applications. We aim to develop novel ultra-efficient SiC Optical Power Converters (OPCs) for in-space energy transmission in the range of kW/cm2 with efficiencies higher than 80% at extremely large distance. The OPCs are based on SiC polytypes, wide bandgap materials with high radiation resistance and thermal conductivity. These materials minimize the series resistance and intrinsic entropic losses of the photovoltaic receiver. Preliminary results show that SiC-based OPCs can greatly improve the efficiency of the technology, increasing one order of magnitude the power density, and broaden the range of HPLT applications.