Space Based Solar Power
Space Based Solar Power
Space Based Solar Power
Outline
Basics Importance Introduction of space based solar power Working Collection of energy Power transmission
Solar energy is the utilization of the radiant energy from the Sun.
Diameter: 1.39E9 m (120 x greater than earth) Distance from earth = 1.495E11 m (93 million miles) 1.7% Powered by hydrogen fusion Effective temperature is 5777 K Solar constant on the earth is 1367 w/m2
Importance:The most convenient sources are oil, natural gas and uranium. oil and natural gas, are rapidly being depleted. As oil and natural gas reserves decline there will increasing pressure to use more uranium.
It has also become evident that two other major sources of energy in the world, hydroelectricity and coal, have limits.
Hydroelectricity because of the limited availability of suitable sites.
coal for a number of reasons ranging from the safety of miners to the possibility that the earths atmosphere may become overloaded with carbon dioxide as a result of hydrocarbon combustion.
Solar energy collection on the earth:Parabolic Trough Collectors Solar Power Towers
DISADVANTAGES: A significant fraction is reflected or absorbed by our atmosphere Most of the energy falls on inaccessible Locations Sun light available only in the day time. Solar energy is diffuse so equipment to collect it is large and expensive.
How it works
Solar panels on satellite capture light, sends power to earth using microwave wireless power transmission technology Signal sent from receiving antenna on earth (green) allows satellite to pinpoint its microwave beam.
Transmission of power:Electric power is converted into microwaves at the satellite. These microwave is sent to earth by transmitter.
ADVANTAGES:Renewable energy. Unlike oil, gas, ethanol, and coal plants, space solar power does not emit greenhouse gases. There is no air in space, so the collecting surfaces would receive much more intense sunlight, unaffected by weather. Continuous power supply. No need of storage facilities.
DISADVANTAGES:High initial cost. High maintenance cost Effect of microwaves and laser beams on human life.
Solar powered satellite may become a major source for power generation by 2030.
References:1. DOE(Department Of Energy) and NASA report ; "Satellite Power System ; Concept Development and Evaluation Program", Reference System Report, Oct. 1978 (Published Jan. 1979) 2. National security space office report ; Space based solar power, As an opportunity for Strategic Security (published 10th October 2007). 3. Feingold, Harvey, et al, "Space Solar PowerA Fresh Look at the Feasibility of Generating Solar Power in Space for Use on Earth" Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). April 2,1997.