Space Based Solar Power

welcome

Dedicated byAnil Patil

andKartikey Bajpayee

Space Based Solar Power

Introduction

Solar energy is the energy generated due to the thermonuclear fusion reactions occurring in the sun.

Space-based solar power (SBSP) is the concept of collecting solar power in space, using an "SPS", that is, a "solar-power satellite" or a "satellite power system" for use

on earth.

SBSP would differ from current solar collection methods in that the means used to collect energy would reside on an

orbiting satellite instead of on Earth's surface.

History of Space Based Solar Power

• SBSP was first described in November 1968. • Dr Peter Glaser discovered the method of transmitting power over long distances in 1973 (e.g., from an SPS to the Earth's surface) using microwaves

• In 1997, NASA conducted its fresh look study to examine the modern state of SBSP feasibility.

• On November 2, 2012; China proposed space collaboration with India in SBSP.

Solar array

Microwave circuits

Spacetenna

Rectenna

DC-RF conversion

space segment

ground segment

sunlight

to power stations

Block diagram

Space-based solar power system essentially consists of three elements:

1. A means of collecting solar power in space, for example solar concentrators or solar cells.

2. A medium of transmitting power to earth, for example microwaves.

3. A means for receiving power on earth, for example an antenna (rectenna).

Components

Operation

1. Sunlight gets captured by the solar panels.

2. Panels will remain in sunlight 24 hours a day, producing a constant source of base-load power. This is because there is no nighttime in space.

Stage 1 – Solar Panel

1. Even accounting for the transmission losses, each satellite is able to deliver a large quantity of power.

2. This energy can be safely transmitted by microwaves.

Stage 2 – Energy Transmission

1. Energy is received on the earth by large, easy-to-assemble grids called Rectenna.

2. The energy is, then, delivered to the consumers.

3. It is assumed that more than 90% of sunlight will pass through to the rectenna.

Stage 3 – Energy Receiving and Distribution

S. No. Factors Space based solar power systems

Earth based solar power systems

1 Efficiency 8-10 times more Less

2 Effect of external conditions

No effect High

3 Effect of Earth’s movement

No effect Unable to capture energy during night

4 Energy loss No loss Distorted energy waves

Comparative Study

The various technical challenges of space-based solar power system are:

1. Low-cost reusable space access.

2. Efficient and light weight solar arrays.

3. Space assembly, maintenance and servicing.

Challenges

Advantages

• There is no air in space, so the collecting surfaces could receive much more intense sunlight.

• Orbiting satellites can be exposed to a consistently high degree of solar radiation, generally for 24 hours per day.

• Elimination of plant and wildlife interference.

Disadvantages

• Construction and maintenance on a solar panel in space could possibly be done, only telerobotically.

• After being decommissioned, parts of it may stay in orbit as space debris and can cause trouble. • The large size and the cost of the receiving station on the ground.

Safety and Precautions

• Concentrating the microwaves at the specified location of the rectenna.

• Fencing zone can be made on the ground to protect the terrestrial organisms.

• We can also locate the rectenna offshore.

• Japan, is currently the world leader of the Space Based Solar Power Systems projects.

• These space based solar panels would be around 5-10 times more efficient than ground-based solar conversion systems. CO2 emissions will also be low.

• It’s predicted that it will process around 1 gigawatt of power, which is a similar to the nuclear power stations.

Presently Working SBSP Projects

The Future Prospects

• In Japan Scientists from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have planned a series of pilot projects.

• A few private companies have emerged all with the goal of developing a viable business plan for SBSP. 

• Space Energy, Inc., a pioneer in commercial SBSP, plans to a have a test satellite in orbit in approximately 10 years. 

• Another SBSP company, Solaren is planning to generate 200 megawatts of electricity over 15 years beginning in 2016.

SBSP project of Japan

Thank you