Conceptual design of a solar power beaming space system.

摘要

The concept of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) is a global solution for the world energy crisis. SBSP has been discussed for decades; however, there still has not been a single watt transmitted down from orbit. A conceptual SBSP demonstration design has been developed for a system that will beam 300W of power to the Earth's surface. This demonstration is estimated to be at 25% efficiency due to atmospheric losses and laser conversion losses. A 2200W laser is a modular subsystem of the 100 kg payload flight demonstration. All of the technologies needed for this demonstration already exist. The demonstration includes the following modular subsystems: the laser system, the acquisition, tracking, and pointing system, the safety and control system, and the ground segment/receiver system. The ISS demonstration is estimated to cost approximately 12 million dollars. Tradeoff design studies and systems engineering evaluations were completed in order to demonstrate the feasibility of this system. An Excel database was developed to help calculate some basic dynamics, creating an SBSP preliminary systems design tool for the demonstration.