Concentrating and splitting of solar radiation for laser pumping and photovoltaic conversion

A solar-energy system for space application is introduced based on concentrating and splitting the solar-radiation spectrum for simultaneously laser pumping (payload) and photovoltaic energy conversion (electric power generation). Direct laser pumping by concentrated light of the appropriate spectrum band is more efficient. Higher efficiency is also obtained for concentrator solar cells in the appropriate spectrum band. Heat rejection may also be accomplished at the same time for still another spectrum band, reducing the thermal problem. High efficiency solar cells in a common system for several energy-conversion processes result in reduced weight of the system, and therefore, attractive for space applications. This article describes two configurations of two-stage concentrating and spectrally splitting systems. The concept was demonstrated for one of the configurations.