L.A.S.E.R. - Lunar Automotive Sun Energy Redirector

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Characteristics Meet the “Lunar Automotive Sun Energy Redirector”! L.A.S.E.R. is a tele-operated heliostat system attached to a Rocker-Bogie that is designated for concentrating/redirecting sunlight, illuminating of shadowed areas and thermal management.Heliostat dimensions: while packed: 1.62 m x 1.2 m x 0.36 m while deployed: 8.28 m x 1.7 m x 0.13 mOverall dimensions: while packed: 1.5 m x 1.36 m x 1.99 m while deployed (standard position): 8.28 m x 3.04 m x 1.99 mWeight: Heliostat system: 115 kgTotal weight: 475 kgReflective area: 1.7 m^2 x 6 = 10.2 m^2Heliostat systemThe architecture chosen for the system design is curtain folding type. 6 mirror panels are folded around a central photovoltaic panel (used while the system is deployed). To reduce the weight, the 4 mm thick reflective plastic sheet was chosen because they are thick enough to support their own weight. The system is operated by motorized hinges (6 pieces) that handle a set of metal sleepers on which the mirrors are installed.Solar array The heliostat include a large solar panel (1.32 m^2) that is used while the system is closed. While when deployed, a second photovoltaic is revealed in the center that take the role of the first. This array allows that, when it’s needed or in extreme cases, both can be used to convert energy at the price of two unused mirror panel.Guidance system The guide system is composed of 2 axes of rotation perpendicular to each other that allow the orientation of the heliostat system. Taking into account the mass of the system, it was opted for the variant of servomotors that operate a cycloidal reducer, thus offering a benefit regarding the exact accuracy of the system positioning (considered necessary for precise illumination of targets or areas at a greater distance). Sun tracking Sun tracking is made via 4 individually encapsulated photoresistors. By regional stimulating of light, the sensor has the ability to locate the direction of origin of the light rays. The sensor is also equipped with its own pitch-rotation axis that allows its perpendicular positioning in the direction of the light source, while the heliostat system can individually change its angle of attack.External power connector The system allows continuous charging at the dock station through the 2 embossed strips arranged horizontally on the back of the rover. The docking station is also provided with 2 such horizontal contacts arranged at the same hei...