However, a newer design concept has mitigated the increased life- cycle costs associated with reboosting, by using a hydrogen fuel obtained from surplus supplies of water. Therefore, the size of the solar array no longer drives life-cycle costs as directly. Another source of life-cycle cost is the need to replace the batteries after five years. A solar dynamic power system might provide a solution for these problems. This technology, far different from the photovoltaic system, utilizes the Sun's heat instead of its light for the production of power.
Heat is collected in the focal point of a mirror.
There are several different engines that can be used for the generation of power within the solar dynamic system. These engines are usually known by the names of their inventor. For use on Space Station, the Brayton Cycle engine has been selected. The energy storage device used for a solar dynamic power system is superior to a photovoltaic system because heat is stored rather than electricity. Heat is cheaper and far more simple to store for subsequent use.