Space Based Solar Power practical project

In summary, the conversation revolved around a project on SBSP and the use of NASA's data to calculate efficiencies and variables for different stages of transmission. The speaker also discussed their plan to create a scaled down version of the satellite for a table top experiment and asked for ideas on using enhanced chromium PV cells and a suitable microwave transmitter. Safety considerations for the use of microwaves were also mentioned. The speaker then asked for suggestions on what to use for microwave generation and it was advised to avoid beaming microwaves for safety reasons.
  • #1
astralfx
22
0
Hello,

I'm doing a project on SBSP and we have a few months to complete it, and in my written report I will be going over NASA's data they collected from their attempts. Calculating efficiencies and otheer variables between different stages of transmission, e.g. first from the sun radi to PV cells to generate electricity, then to power a microwave transmitter, which is beamed down to Earth taking into account gravity/atmosphere etc, then the receiver converting it back to electricity, then to AC/DC inverter. Talking about feasibility (launch cost, micro asteroids etc)

Okay so now I was talking to my lecturer, and I gave him an idea of me creating a scaled down version of the satellite (which will basically be 1 of the PV cells which would go in space), to a table top experiment, one I figure out the calculations in the written I can scale them down, thus get a high powered lamp or lamp's trying to replicate the sun's solar radiation. I'd also have a small microwave transmitter, transmitting the microwaves about 1-2m across to the receiver, with measuring equipment for voltage/current and microwave radiation during the stages. In the end, all my data scaled down should follow similar patterns if were in space, though not exactly, as it's more of a proof of concept

My supervisor told me I need to be a bit more detailed if we are to continue.

So aerospace engineers, anyone mind throwing some ideas around. I looked at NASA's data and their is a 0.4% energy loss with microwaave coming through the atmosphere, thus my idea is to just use a light material to account for that .4% loss and any gravitation effect in the form of refraction from the material for the microwave.

So yeah, just throw any ideas around for me for this project. I am thinking of enhanced chromium PV cells, anyone think of any else? Does my practical project sound reasonable to you, what microwave transmitter could I use? Am I missing anything in the theoretical part, I also had an idea from what I read on the net that I could use laser transmission instead. What's your take guys?
 
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  • #2
astralfx said:
Hello,

I'm doing a project on SBSP and we have a few months to complete it, and in my written report I will be going over NASA's data they collected from their attempts. Calculating efficiencies and otheer variables between different stages of transmission, e.g. first from the sun radi to PV cells to generate electricity, then to power a microwave transmitter, which is beamed down to Earth taking into account gravity/atmosphere etc, then the receiver converting it back to electricity, then to AC/DC inverter. Talking about feasibility (launch cost, micro asteroids etc)

Okay so now I was talking to my lecturer, and I gave him an idea of me creating a scaled down version of the satellite (which will basically be 1 of the PV cells which would go in space), to a table top experiment, one I figure out the calculations in the written I can scale them down, thus get a high powered lamp or lamp's trying to replicate the sun's solar radiation. I'd also have a small microwave transmitter, transmitting the microwaves about 1-2m across to the receiver, with measuring equipment for voltage/current and microwave radiation during the stages. In the end, all my data scaled down should follow similar patterns if were in space, though not exactly, as it's more of a proof of concept

My supervisor told me I need to be a bit more detailed if we are to continue.

So aerospace engineers, anyone mind throwing some ideas around. I looked at NASA's data and their is a 0.4% energy loss with microwaave coming through the atmosphere, thus my idea is to just use a light material to account for that .4% loss and any gravitation effect in the form of refraction from the material for the microwave.

So yeah, just throw any ideas around for me for this project. I am thinking of enhanced chromium PV cells, anyone think of any else? Does my practical project sound reasonable to you, what microwave transmitter could I use? Am I missing anything in the theoretical part, I also had an idea from what I read on the net that I could use laser transmission instead. What's your take guys?

Can you talk more about safety considerations for the microwave portion of your demo?
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
Can you talk more about safety considerations for the microwave portion of your demo?

So my supervisor has fully accepted my project proposal. Great :D

Indeed I will discuss the effects of the microwave frequencies to be used on living creatures, such as birds, animals, and humans.

Any other thoughts?
 
  • #4
astralfx said:
So my supervisor has fully accepted my project proposal. Great :D

Indeed I will discuss the effects of the microwave frequencies to be used on living creatures, such as birds, animals, and humans.

Any other thoughts?

Are you actually going to use microwaves in your demo?
 
  • #5
berkeman said:
Are you actually going to use microwaves in your demo?

Of course. I can't use a giant microwave dish and antenna for obvious reasons. But I looked online for receivers and transmitters, problem is they are all products of sending actual data such as routers. I haven't done any calculations yet, but I don't think my power output from the a few PV cells will be too high.

Any ideas though for what I could us for this microwave generation.
 
  • #6
astralfx said:
Of course. I can't use a giant microwave dish and antenna for obvious reasons. But I looked online for receivers and transmitters, problem is they are all products of sending actual data such as routers. I haven't done any calculations yet, but I don't think my power output from the a few PV cells will be too high.

Any ideas though for what I could us for this microwave generation.

Well, my point was that you should not be beaming microwaves across your science fair project, or else more than birds will be having problems. :smile:

You could simulate it with a solid state laser beam from a laser diode or laser pointer, hitting a simple photocell or PIN diode. You could use baby powder sprinkled in the beam path to show that energy is being transferred, and how when you block the beam with your hand, the output power goes away. Of course, the beam will only be 1mW or so, and the receiver circuit will be a simulation of power reception...
 
  • #7
There was a series of NASA symposia on Radiant Energy Conversion in Space run during the early 1980s, run at NASA Ames if I remember correctly. Afaik, they remain the state of the art in terms of space based solar power.
The studies showed that a solution to the problem of excess microwave energy from a solar power satellite was to transmit it via a phased array guided by a feedback from the ground. That way, if anything such an aircraft interfered with the signal received, the steering would be lost so the power beam immediately blooms widely, preventing any damage to the errant vehicle/people.
That aspect might actually be a more useful thing to demonstrate than the basic power beam.
 
  • #8
berkeman said:
Well, my point was that you should not be beaming microwaves across your science fair project, or else more than birds will be having problems. :smile:

You could simulate it with a solid state laser beam from a laser diode or laser pointer, hitting a simple photocell or PIN diode. You could use baby powder sprinkled in the beam path to show that energy is being transferred, and how when you block the beam with your hand, the output power goes away. Of course, the beam will only be 1mW or so, and the receiver circuit will be a simulation of power reception...

Nice idea on using baby powder to visually display the transmission. Hmmm...


etudiant said:
There was a series of NASA symposia on Radiant Energy Conversion in Space run during the early 1980s, run at NASA Ames if I remember correctly. Afaik, they remain the state of the art in terms of space based solar power.
The studies showed that a solution to the problem of excess microwave energy from a solar power satellite was to transmit it via a phased array guided by a feedback from the ground. That way, if anything such an aircraft interfered with the signal received, the steering would be lost so the power beam immediately blooms widely, preventing any damage to the errant vehicle/people.
That aspect might actually be a more useful thing to demonstrate than the basic power beam.

Interesting, I will definitely look into this and discuss it with my supervisor, as I have never heard about this "phased array" feedback. Mind linking the paper?
 

1. What is space-based solar power (SBSP)?

Space-based solar power is a method of collecting solar energy in space and transmitting it to Earth for use as a renewable energy source. It involves placing solar panels in orbit around the Earth and using high-powered lasers or microwaves to beam the energy back to receiving stations on the ground.

2. How does SBSP differ from traditional solar power?

Unlike traditional solar power, which relies on solar panels on the Earth's surface, SBSP utilizes solar panels in space where they can collect energy 24/7 without being affected by weather or day-night cycles. This makes SBSP a more reliable and efficient source of solar energy.

3. What are the benefits of SBSP?

There are several potential benefits of SBSP, including a virtually unlimited supply of renewable energy, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and lower environmental impact. SBSP can also provide energy to remote or disaster-stricken areas that may not have access to traditional power sources.

4. What are the challenges of implementing SBSP?

One of the main challenges of SBSP is the high cost of launching and maintaining solar panels in space. Additionally, there are technical challenges in developing efficient and safe methods of transmitting the energy back to Earth. There may also be concerns about potential impacts on space debris and interference with satellite communications.

5. Is SBSP a feasible solution for meeting our energy needs?

While SBSP has the potential to provide a significant amount of clean energy, it is still in the early stages of development and there are many challenges that need to be addressed. Further research and technological advancements are needed to make SBSP a practical and cost-effective solution for meeting our energy needs.

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