Space Based Solar Power

Outline
Basics Importance Introduction of space based solar power Working Collection of energy Power transmission

Advantages and Disadvantages

Conclusion References

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

ADVANTAGES:No pollution. Renewable energy.

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.

Difference between collection of solar energy on earth and in space.

Introduction to space based solar power

Space-based solar power (SBSP) (or historically space solar power (SSP)) is a system for the collection of solar power in space. In 1968, Dr. Peter Glaser introduced the concept of a solar power satellite system with square miles of solar collectors in high geosynchronous orbit to collect and convert the sun's energy into a microwave beam to transmit energy to large receiving antennas on earth.

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.

Where it is placed in the space?

The solar power satellite is placed in geostationary orbit. Geostationary orbit is at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers (km) above the earths (0 latitude) equator. Orbital eccentricity is approximately zero. The satellite in geostationary orbit will be in shadow less than 1% of the total time.

Transmission of power:Electric power is converted into microwaves at the satellite. These microwave is sent to earth by transmitter.

Receiving station receives the microwave at the power station.

From the power station the electric power is distributed through distribution centre.

Space based solar power:-

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.

CONCLUSTION:More reliable than ground based solar power.

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.