The search for a new, safe and stable renewable energy source led to the idea of building a power station in space which transmits electricity to Earth. The concept of Solar Power Satellites (SPS) was invented by Glaser in 1968. SPS converts solar energy into microwaves and transmit it to a receiving
antenna on Earth for conversion to electric power. The key technology needed to enable the future feasibility of SPS is Microwave Power Transmission. SPS would be a massive structure with an area of about 56 sq. and would, weigh about 30,000 to 50,000 metric ton. Estimated cost is about $74 billion and would take about 30 years for its construction. In order to reduce the projected cost of a SPS suggestions are made to employ extra terrestrialresources for its construction. This reduces the transportation requirements of such a massive structure. However the realization of SPS concept holds great promises for solving energy crisis.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Why SPS
- SPS-A General Idea
- Wireless Power Transmission
- Microwave Power Transmission in SPS
- Transmitter
Objectives and Key Themes
This document explores the feasibility of Solar Power Satellites (SPS) as a solution to the global energy crisis. It examines the key technologies involved, particularly Microwave Power Transmission (WPT), and addresses the challenges associated with the large-scale implementation of SPS.
- Feasibility of Solar Power Satellites (SPS) as a renewable energy source.
- The role of Microwave Power Transmission (WPT) in enabling SPS technology.
- Technological challenges and limitations of SPS construction and operation.
- Economic considerations and cost reduction strategies for SPS development.
- Environmental benefits and potential risks associated with SPS implementation.
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: This abstract introduces the concept of Solar Power Satellites (SPS) as a solution for the global energy crisis. It highlights the key technology of Microwave Power Transmission (MPT) for transmitting solar energy collected in space to Earth. The abstract briefly mentions the large scale and cost of the project, suggesting the use of extraterrestrial resources to reduce costs. It concludes by stating the great promise of SPS in solving energy crises.
Introduction: The introduction establishes the context of the increasing global demand for renewable energy sources. It highlights the challenges posed by global warming, environmental pollution, and dwindling fossil fuel reserves. The introduction then presents the SPS concept as a potential solution, detailing its ability to convert solar energy into microwaves for transmission to Earth. It also briefly touches upon the various names used for SPS.
Why SPS: This section argues for the necessity of SPS by outlining the limitations of existing renewable energy sources in meeting the global base load power demand. The challenges associated with fossil fuels and nuclear power are presented as compelling reasons to explore alternative, clean energy solutions like SPS. It emphasizes the advantages of space-based solar power, such as continuous operation and the ability to overcome weather limitations.
SPS-A General Idea: This section delves into the general concept of SPS, explaining its location in geosynchronous orbit and its operational principles. It describes the conversion of solar energy into microwaves, their transmission to Earth, and their subsequent conversion back into electricity using rectennas. The chapter also discusses the significant size and weight of the SPS, explaining the reasons behind these parameters and illustrating the system's scale through figures and dimensions.
Wireless Power Transmission: This chapter explores the technology of wireless power transmission (WPT), focusing on its applications in transmitting energy from space to ground. It discusses the challenges of terrestrial WPT compared to space-based systems and delves into the technical details of microwave-based power transmission, including components like magnetrons, antennas, and rectifiers. The chapter also covers efficiency improvements for the WPT system.
Microwave Power Transmission in SPS: This section details the three key aspects of microwave transmission in an SPS: power conversion on the satellite, beam formation and control, and energy collection on Earth. It discusses the choice of 2.45 GHz frequency and the importance of efficient components and beam focusing for the system's overall efficiency. This section also briefly introduces the key components like the transmitter, beam control, and rectenna.
Transmitter: This chapter focuses on the transmitter component of the WPT system, emphasizing its importance in efficiently converting DC power to RF power and radiating it in a controlled manner. It discusses the challenges of thermal management, passive intermodulation, and noise filtering. The chapter then details different types of DC-to-RF converters, including magnetrons, klystrons, and solid-state amplifiers, along with a schematic diagram of a klystron amplifier.
Keywords
Solar Power Satellites (SPS), Microwave Power Transmission (WPT), Renewable Energy, Space-based Solar Power, Rectenna, Magnetron, Klystron, Geosynchronous Orbit, Wireless Power Transmission, Global Energy Crisis.
Solar Power Satellites (SPS): A Comprehensive Language Preview - FAQ
What is the main topic of this document?
This document explores the feasibility of Solar Power Satellites (SPS) as a solution to the global energy crisis. It focuses on the key technologies involved, particularly Microwave Power Transmission (WPT), and the challenges of large-scale SPS implementation.
What are the key themes discussed in the document?
Key themes include the feasibility of SPS as a renewable energy source; the role of Microwave Power Transmission (WPT) in SPS; technological challenges and limitations of SPS construction and operation; economic considerations and cost reduction strategies; and environmental benefits and potential risks.
What are the key technologies involved in SPS?
The core technology is Microwave Power Transmission (WPT), which transmits solar energy collected in space to Earth. The document also discusses components like magnetrons, klystrons, solid-state amplifiers, antennas, and rectennas.
What are the advantages of using SPS for energy generation?
SPS offers continuous operation, overcoming weather limitations, and provides a clean energy solution to address the global energy crisis and dwindling fossil fuel reserves. It also aims to surpass limitations of current renewable energy sources in meeting global base load power demands.
What are the challenges associated with SPS implementation?
Challenges include the large scale and cost of the project, technological hurdles in WPT (efficiency, beam control, thermal management), and potential environmental impacts. The document suggests using extraterrestrial resources to reduce costs.
What is the role of Microwave Power Transmission (WPT) in SPS?
WPT is crucial for transmitting the solar energy collected in space to Earth. The document details the process, including power conversion on the satellite, beam formation and control, and energy collection on Earth using rectennas. It also discusses the choice of frequency and the importance of efficient components and beam focusing.
What are the different components of the WPT system discussed?
Key components include the transmitter (using various DC-to-RF converters like magnetrons, klystrons, and solid-state amplifiers), the beam control system, and the rectenna on Earth for energy conversion.
What is a rectenna?
A rectenna is a device that converts microwave energy into direct current (DC) electricity on Earth, receiving the transmitted power from the SPS.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the document?
The document includes chapter summaries for the Abstract, Introduction, Why SPS, SPS-A General Idea, Wireless Power Transmission, Microwave Power Transmission in SPS, and Transmitter. Each summary briefly explains the content and key points of the respective chapter.
What are the keywords associated with this document?
Keywords include Solar Power Satellites (SPS), Microwave Power Transmission (WPT), Renewable Energy, Space-based Solar Power, Rectenna, Magnetron, Klystron, Geosynchronous Orbit, Wireless Power Transmission, and Global Energy Crisis.
Where is the SPS located?
The SPS is located in geosynchronous orbit.
What frequency is used for microwave transmission in SPS?
The document mentions the use of a 2.45 GHz frequency for microwave transmission.
- Citar trabajo
- Amit Sachan (Autor), Preeti Sachan (Autor), 2013, Microwave Power Transmission as a Future Feasibilty of Solar Power Satellite, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/213239
