Satellite Power System: Utility Impact Study. Final Report

摘要

A state-of-the-art summary of the solar satellite power system (SPS) concept currently being evaluated by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is given. Problems related to the integration of the SPS into conventional electric power systems are considered. The reference system design would utilize 60 satellites in geosynchronous orbits. Each satellite would collect solar energy and convert it to electricity by means of a 55 km exp 2 array of photovoltaic cells. This dc electricity would then be converted to microwaves and transmitted to a 130 km exp 2 receiving antenna on the ground, where it would be reconverted to dc and then ac electricity before being fed into the conventional utility power system. Each satellite would deliver approximately 5 GW of power at the utility interface. It is estimated that each 5 GW satellite and ground receiving antenna plus associated equipment would cost $10 to 20 billion (1977 dollars), with the entire 60 satellite system costing $600 billion to 1.2 trillion. This amounts to $2000 to 4000 per kW. Although there are serious technical problems to be solved before the SPS would be feasible, the cost of the system may be the greatest obstacle to its implementation. One of the chief technical problems with using SPS in a conventional power system derives from the eclipse periods which the SPS would undergo each spring and fall.The accompanying sudden loss and return of power would likely cause severe load following and spinning reserve problems for utilities. In addition, there are stability and reliability problems that must be resolved before the SPS could be implemented. (ERA citation 05:037874)