Solar Power Satellites And Microwave Power Transmission
The sps is a gigantic satellite designed as an electric power plant orbiting in the.
Solar power satellites and microwave power transmission. A microwave power transmission system consists of the source of the rf energy a transmit antenna a transmission medium or channel and a rectifying antenna usually referred to as the rectenna. Solar power satellites sps will provide a clean and limitless energy resource from space through this technique. These panels convert solar power into either a microwave or a laser and beam uninterrupted power down to earth. Microwave power transmission mpt is one of the new technological frontiers.
Microwave power transmission in sps. Self assembling satellites are launched into space along with reflectors and a microwave or laser power transmitter. This article answers the fundamental question of why we need to develop sps from the viewpoint of critical global issues for mankind. The solar arrays attached to a typical satellite generating 1 6gw in space and an average of 1gw on earth would measure about 5 to 6 square.
Concerning the power transmission efficiency of the wpt there are some good optical approaches in russia 5 6. Space based solar power sbsp is the concept of collecting solar power in outer space and distributing it to earth potential advantages of collecting solar energy in space include a higher collection rate and a longer collection period due to the lack of a diffusing atmosphere and the possibility of placing a solar collector in an orbiting location where there is no night. The conversion of direct power from the photovoltaic cells to microwave power on the satellites on geosynchronous orbit above the earth. Solar power from satellites 1968 s idea for solar power satellites proposed by peter glaser would use microwaves to transmit power to earth from solar powered satellites idea gained momentum during the oil crises of 1970 s but after prices stabilized idea was dropped us department of energy research program 1978 1981.
The microwave transmission system as envisioned by nasa and doe would have had three aspects. Power and converts in to the microwave power and transmission towards earth side. Reflectors or inflatable mirrors spread over a vast swath of space directing solar radiation onto solar panels. 2 1 microwave power transmission in sps the microwave transmission system have had three aspects 5.
Solar power satellite mainly consists of microwave generator it take input power from the battery and essentially generates microwave pulses in the range of 2 45ghz and it should be transmitted towards rectenna element which is mounted on the earth surface. The conversion of direct power from the photovoltaic cells to microwave power on the satellites on geosynchronous orbit above the earth.