Cosmic space photovoltaic power generation system

Abstract

To provide a cosmic space photovoltaic power generation system capable of improving power generation efficiency of the entire system based on real beam intensity distribution.SOLUTION: A cosmic space photovoltaic power generation system comprises: a cosmic space facility by which electric power is converted into an electromagnetic wave and transmitted; and a ground facility in which the electromagnetic wave is received and converted into electric power by a power conversion device consisting of a plurality of power conversion modules. In the cosmic space photovoltaic power generation system, the ground facility includes a function for estimating a direction of the electromagnetic wave, in which power generation efficiency is improved, on the basis of the electric power measured by the power conversion device comprising the plurality of power conversion modules and commanding the estimated direction of the electromagnetic wave to the cosmic space facility, and the cosmic space facility includes a function for changing a direction or a shape of the electromagnetic wave to be transmitted depending on the commanded direction of the electromagnetic wave.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a space solar power generation system. [Background technology]

[0002] As one of the means to solve the energy problem, the development of space solar power generation using phased array antennas is progressing. In order to transmit power efficiently with a phased array antenna, it is important to align the center of the transmission beam with the center of the ground equipment, and this is done by the retrodirective method.

[0003] The retrodirective method does not take into account the error components that occur during the transmission of electricity from when it is generated to when it is received, so it is necessary to establish technology to correct the beam transmission direction while taking into account the power generation efficiency of the entire system.

[0004] Regarding the retrodirective method, Patent Document 1 proposes a power supply system comprising: "a power transmission system which transmits electric energy as a microwave beam; and a power receiving system which receives the microwave beam transmitted from the power transmission system, the power receiving system comprising a beam position estimation means which estimates an amount of positional deviation of the microwave beam; and a transmission means which transmits information regarding the amount of positional deviation to the power transmission system, the power transmission system receiving information regarding the amount of positional deviation from the power receiving system, and correcting the transmission direction of the microwave beam based on the information regarding the amount of positional deviation." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-259392 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] According to Patent Document 1, a technology is proposed for correcting the transmission direction of a microwave beam based on information regarding the amount of positional deviation. However, this method has the problem that it does not take into account cases where a preset reference beam pattern (reference value distribution) differs from the actual beam intensity distribution.

[0007] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a space solar power generation system that enables the improvement of the power generation efficiency of the entire system in accordance with the actual beam intensity distribution by measuring the received power without comparing it with a reference value distribution and adjusting the transmitted beam direction based on the results. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In view of the above, the present invention provides a space solar power generation system comprising: a space facility which converts electric power into electromagnetic waves and transmits them; and a ground facility which receives the electromagnetic waves and converts them into electric power using a power conversion device composed of a plurality of power conversion modules; the ground facility has a function of estimating the direction of the electromagnetic waves that will improve power generation efficiency based on the electric power measured by the power conversion device composed of a plurality of power conversion modules, and of instructing the space facility on the estimated direction of the electromagnetic waves; and the space facility has a function of changing the direction or shape of the electromagnetic waves to be transmitted according to the instructed direction of the electromagnetic waves. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the power generation efficiency of the entire system in accordance with the actual beam intensity distribution. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the basic concept of a space solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] A diagram summarizing the control processing functions that should be provided in the space facility 1 and ground facility 2. [Figure 3a] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the beam transmission direction is the same as the power receiving center direction. [Figure 3b]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the beam transmission direction is shifted from the power receiving center direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the concept of processing in the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9a] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the concept of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 9b] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the concept of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example model of power conversion modules arranged in series. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing beam intensity in a power conversion module. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining how to obtain a power distribution. [Figure 14a] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of determining a slope. [Figure 14b] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of estimating the distribution of the beam focus position from the power measurement amounts at x=1 and x=2. [Figure 14c] FIG. 13 is a table showing estimated power distribution. [Figure 15] A diagram showing a beam distribution with the beam focus position at the center (f=0). [Figure 16] A diagram showing a beam distribution with the beam focus position at the center (f=0). [Figure 17] A diagram showing the power distribution when the focal position is changed to f=1 and f=2. [Figure 18] A graph showing the change in the amount of received power when the focal position is changed from f=1 to f=2. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing how to estimate the distribution after a shift. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 21a] A diagram showing an example of the amount of power of modules 2 and 3. [Figure 21b] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the amount of power change in modules 2 and 3. [Figure 21c] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing that the ratio of the gains of each module can be calculated. [Figure 22a] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing specific examples of gain and amount of received power at each beam position. [Figure 22b] A diagram showing distribution estimation from power measurements at beam focal positions x=1, X=2, and X-3. [Figure 22c] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a relative gain estimated from a difference in the amount of inclination in the same section. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process flow for estimating a relative gain. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a process flow for estimating environmental attenuation. [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an event that requires edge processing. [Figure 26] 13 is a diagram for explaining how a faulty power conversion module is estimated from the relative difference in the amount of received power in each power receiving area when the beam transmission direction is adjusted. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 28] A diagram showing a state in which rain clouds are present above the electromagnetic wave transmission path. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram for adjusting a beam shape. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0012] In the first embodiment, the basic concept of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the basic concept of a space solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, A is a schematic diagram of the entire space solar power generation system, B is a diagram showing changing the beam transmission direction by a command from a ground station, C is a diagram showing the idea of ​​the present invention for determining an angle command for the beam transmission direction, and D is a diagram showing adjustment of the beam transmission direction in a direction that increases the total amount of received power by feedback control.

[0013] First, A in Fig. 1 shows an example of the schematic configuration of the entire space solar power generation system, which is composed of a space facility 1 and a ground facility 2. Of these, the space facility 1 generates electricity using solar panels 5, and transmits electromagnetic waves 3, such as microwaves and laser light, from the space facility 1.

[0014] On the other hand, the ground facility 2 is configured to supply power to the power grid via a power conversion device 4 (each power conversion module has a maximum dimension of, for example, about 50 m to 100 m) formed of multiple power conversion modules that receive the electromagnetic waves 3 and convert them into power, a power receiving station electrically connected to the power conversion modules, and a power receiving system (not shown) consisting of electric wires (or a wireless power transmission system). Note that the power conversion modules and the power receiving stations are in a one-to-one relationship, and the power conversion device 4 is configured by a plurality of power conversion modules arranged in a line to receive the electromagnetic waves 3 transmitted by the space facility 1.

[0015] The space facility 1 is, for example, a geostationary satellite that flies in geostationary orbit (at an altitude of about 36,000 km above the equator) and is equipped with solar panels 5 (for example, about 2.5 km x 2.5 km) that convert sunlight into electricity. The space facility 1 is configured to convert the electricity of the solar panels into microwaves (electromagnetic waves) 3 with frequencies of, for example, 2.45 GHz (wavelength λ=12.2 cm), 5.8 GHz (wavelength λ=5.17 cm), or 10 GHz (wavelength λ=3.0 cm), and to emit the microwaves from a transmitting antenna toward the ground with, for example, an energy pointing accuracy of about 1 urad.

[0016] When transmitting electromagnetic waves 3 such as microwaves or laser light from the space facility 1 toward the ground facility 2, beam transmission is performed using a retrodirective method. In order to perform highly efficient power transmission by transmitting beams to, for example, the center position of a power conversion device 4 formed by multiple power conversion modules on the ground facility 2 side, a pilot signal antenna 7 that transmits a pilot signal 8 is installed at, for example, the center position of the power conversion device 4 formed by multiple power conversion modules, and the space facility 1 basically transmits power toward the pilot signal antenna 7.

[0017] FIG. 1B shows that since the energy intensity distribution (with respect to the distance from the center position) of the electromagnetic waves 3 transmitted from the space facility 1 is not uniform, the beam transmission direction must be changed by command from the ground station.

[0018] First, the energy intensity distribution of the electromagnetic wave 3 may be a Gaussian distribution, or may have a distribution with a main distribution in the center and side lobes or grating lobes in the periphery. Even if it is the same Gaussian distribution, the distribution shape may change due to weather conditions and other radio wave interference, and the power conversion device 4 on the ground facility 2 side receives power based on the energy intensity distribution of the electromagnetic wave 3. For this reason, in B of Figure 1, an angle command is given to the space facility 1 side via the main antenna 9 in response to a command from the ground station to slightly change the beam transmission direction.

[0019] FIG. 1C shows the concept of the present invention for determining the angle command of the beam transmission direction. Here, attention is paid to the individual power measured in each of the multiple power conversion modules (four in this example) that form the power conversion device 4. The individual powers detected in the multiple power conversion modules 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are time-averaged by the averaging circuit 10 (10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d) and are measured by the power measurement unit 11. The calculation unit 12 estimates the beam transmission direction that maximizes the power receiving efficiency by processing using a computer, and issues an angle command to the space facility 1 side via the command device 13 and the main antenna 9 in FIG. 1B so as to slightly change the beam transmission direction. In this way, FIG. 1C shows that the beam transmission direction is adjusted in a direction that increases the total amount of received power by feedback control.

[0020] D in Fig. 1 shows that as a result of this, the beam transmission direction of the electromagnetic wave 3 transmitted from the space facility 1 is adjusted so that the electromagnetic wave 3 reaches the point where the power receiving efficiency is maximized (assumed to be the position of the pilot signal antenna 7 in this case). In other words, this shows that the beam transmission direction is adjusted by feedback control in the direction that increases the total amount of received power.

[0021] As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the power value is measured in each module on the ground power receiving equipment side, the high efficiency point is estimated from the distribution of the received power, and feedback control is performed to correct the beam angle in the direction in which the total amount of received power increases. As a result, it is possible to improve the power generation efficiency of the entire system according to the actual beam intensity distribution.

[0022] Figure 2 summarizes the control and processing functions that the in-space facility 1 and the ground facility 2 must have in order to realize the above-mentioned power transmission. The control and processing functions of the in-space facility 1 include a processing device 111, a communication device 112, a phase shifter 113, a phased array antenna 114, etc., while the control and processing functions of the ground facility 2 include an arithmetic device 210, a communication device 211, a pilot signal source 212, a rectenna 213, a power measuring device 214, etc.

[0023] As a result, a pilot signal 8 is transmitted from the pilot signal antenna 7 of the ground facility 2 to the in-space facility 1, and the in-space facility 1 executes wireless power transmission 3 using the pilot signal 8 as the reference position for power transmission. Also, information on the beam transmission direction and beam shape is obtained using the received power of the ground facility 2, and a command is given for the beam transmission direction when transmitting power from the main antenna 9 to the in-space facility 1. Thus, feedback control by repeated processing of the pilot signal 8, wireless power transmission 3, and angle command for the beam transmission direction between the in-space facility 1 and the ground facility 2 realizes a power transmission state to a power receiving position that can achieve the highest efficiency.

[0024] 3a and 3b are diagrams for explaining the beam transmission direction. FIG. 3a shows a state in which the beam transmission direction is in the direction of the power receiving center (the direction toward the center of the spacecraft and the center position of the power receiving side as seen from the spacecraft). This is a state in which the maximum point (center point) of the irradiation intensity distribution on the transmitting side is in the center position of the power receiving side, and in this case, the center position of the power receiving side is the position of the pilot signal antenna 7 that transmits the pilot signal 8 toward the space facility 1. It is desirable to realize power transmission in this state, but since the beam transmission direction is often shifted from the power receiving center direction in the ground facility 2 as shown in FIG. 3b, the present invention aims to quickly restore this to the state of FIG. 3b.

[0025] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the power value is measured in each module on the power receiving equipment 2 side, the high efficiency point is estimated from the power receiving distribution, and feedback control is performed to correct the beam angle in a direction in which the total amount of received power increases. A specific method for estimating the high efficiency point from the power receiving distribution in this case will be described in detail in the second and subsequent embodiments.

[0026] According to the basic configuration of the present invention described above, the present invention is configured as follows: "A space solar power generation system including a space facility 1 that converts power into electromagnetic waves and transmits them, and a ground facility 2 that receives electromagnetic waves 3 and converts them into power using a power conversion device 4 composed of multiple power conversion modules, wherein the ground facility 2 has a function of estimating the direction of the electromagnetic waves 3 that improves power generation efficiency based on the received power distribution of power measured by the power conversion device 4 composed of multiple power conversion modules, and commanding the estimated direction of the electromagnetic waves 3 to the space facility 1, and the space facility 1 has a function of changing the direction or shape of the electromagnetic waves to be transmitted according to the commanded direction of the electromagnetic waves 3." EXAMPLES

[0027] The method of estimating a high efficiency point from the power reception distribution in the second embodiment is, to put it simply, to estimate a beam transmission direction that is highly efficient from the total amount of received power when the beam transmission direction is adjusted.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the concept of processing in Example 2. On the right side of Fig. 4, the position of a power conversion device 4 formed of a plurality of power conversion modules that receive electromagnetic waves 3 and convert them into electric power is shown as XY coordinates, and the received power (or beam intensity) is shown in the Z-axis direction. As a result, as shown on the right side of Fig. 4, the distribution of received power of each power conversion module is grasped three-dimensionally. Note that only the XY coordinates are shown on the left side of Fig. 4.

[0029] According to the three-dimensional characteristics on the right side of Figure 4, the amount of received power generated by multiple power conversion modules located at each point on the XY coordinate system shows a three-dimensional distribution with a peak near the beam focal position, and when the beam focal position is changed, a new amount of received power with a new three-dimensional distribution with a peak near the changed beam focal position is shown.

[0030] For this reason, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the beam focal position of the current position and the total received power are measured as initial values ​​using the three-dimensional information. For example, as an initial value, the position of the power conversion module where the amount of received power is maximum is set as the beam focal position of the current position, or the beam transmission direction commanded to the space facility 1 side from the calculation unit 12 via the command device 13 and the main antenna 9 of B in FIG. 1 is used as the beam focal position of the initial current position. It is assumed that the beam focal position of this initial current position is point pt1 indicating the focal position of the transmitted beam on the left side of FIG. 4. In addition, the amount of received power generated by the multiple power conversion modules at this time is added up to obtain the total amount of received power.

[0031] Next, the beam focal position is shifted to, for example, pt2, and the total amount of received power is calculated in the same manner, and the change in the total amount of generated power at the receiving points pt1 and pt2 is confirmed. Note that the new beam focal position pt2 can be selected as appropriate, and if the total amount of received power increases as a result of the selection, a new receiving point can be set in the same direction as pt2 relative to the receiving point pt1, and if the total amount of received power decreases, a new receiving point can be set in the opposite direction to the direction of pt2 relative to the receiving point pt1.

[0032] In this way, the beam is shifted in the direction that increases the total received power, and a high-efficiency point is searched for. The new direction may include the left and right directions as appropriate, so long as the high-efficiency point can be searched for sequentially while changing the XY coordinates. In this case, it is recommended to apply a multi-peak function optimization method, and the application of the gradient method, the Nerger-Mead method, or the multi-start method is effective.

[0033] Although a search is performed based on the beam transmission direction here as an example, the beam shape may be changed to search for a beam shape that maximizes the power receiving efficiency.

[0034] 5 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to Example 1. Note that this flow includes processes in the space facility 1 and the ground facility 2, and will be described separately as appropriate.

[0035] First, in processing step S11, the ground facility 2 transmits a pilot signal, and the aerial facility 1 receives the signal and forms a beam based on the phase information of the pilot signal to transmit power. The beam direction at this time is the power receiving center direction. In processing step S12, the ground facility 2 measures the received power at multiple power conversion modules, and the amount of received power generated by the multiple power conversion modules is added together to obtain the total amount of received power.

[0036] Then, in process step S13, the phase of the transmitter is adjusted so that the beam angle is tilted by the step angle + Δθ on the aerial facility 1 side, and a beam is formed based on this phase information to transmit power again. In process step S14, similar to process step S12, the received power is measured by multiple power conversion modules on the ground facility 2 side, and the amount of received power generated by these multiple power conversion modules is added up to obtain the total amount of received power.

[0037] Thus, the total amount of received power at the receiving points pt1 and pt2 in Fig. 4 is detected on the ground equipment 2 side. In response to this, in processing step S15, the total amount of received power before and after tilting the beam angle is compared. As a result, if the total amount of received power has increased, the process proceeds to processing step S16, and if the total amount of received power has decreased, the process proceeds to processing step S17.

[0038] In both process steps S16 and S17, the direction of beam angle change is determined from the amount of power change in each power conversion module.Furthermore, in the process of process step S18, the phase difference of the transmitter is adjusted so that the beam angle is tilted by a step angle +Δθ in the calculated direction of change on the space facility 1 side, or in the process of process step S19, the phase difference of the transmitter is adjusted so that the beam angle is tilted by -2Δθ in the calculated direction of change on the space facility 1 side, and a beam is formed based on this phase information to transmit power again.

[0039] In process step S20, similarly to process step S14, the received power is measured by a plurality of power conversion modules on the ground facility 2 side, and the amount of received power generated by the plurality of power conversion modules is added up to obtain the total amount of received power.

[0040] Next, in step S21, it is determined whether the change in the amount of received power between the previous time and the current time is within a threshold value. If the change in the amount of received power is within the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S22. If the change in the amount of received power is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0041] The state where the change in the amount of received power is deemed to be within the threshold and the process proceeds to step S22 indicates that the amount of received power was remeasured in the direction in which the amount of received power increased or in the opposite direction to the direction in which the amount of received power decreased, and therefore an increase in the amount of received power is expected, but the increase is very small and below the threshold. It can be determined that this state is highly likely to occur due to being near the high efficiency point in Figure 4.

[0042] In response to this, in processing step S22, the direction of changing the initial beam value is reversed, and the same processing is performed again. Next, in processing step S23, if the results of the repeated processing are observed and the maximum power value difference is within the threshold value in all cases (processing step S23 YES), it is determined that the high efficiency point is near and the operating state is fixed at this angle, or even if the maximum power value difference is not within the threshold value (processing step S23 NO), the beam angle is adjusted to the angle indicating the maximum power value and operation is continued.

[0043] In addition, in processing step S21, if the change in the amount of received power is equal to or greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to processing step S15, which indicates that there is a high possibility that there is another operating point with a more efficient beam angle, and the search for a high efficiency point is repeated again.

[0044] In short, the above-described second embodiment of the present invention estimates the direction of electromagnetic waves that improves power generation efficiency from the total amount of power received in the power conversion device. Also, the present embodiment focuses on the total amount of power received in the power conversion device when the direction or shape of the electromagnetic waves is changed. EXAMPLES

[0045] Like the second embodiment, the third embodiment also uses a method for estimating a high efficiency point from the power receiving distribution. However, in the third embodiment, a highly efficient beam shape is estimated from the total amount of power received when the beam shape is adjusted.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment shown in Fig. 6, a plurality of patterns are prepared in advance as beam shapes when transmitting beam power from the space facility 1, and a beam shape pattern that maximizes the received power is selected or generated from among these. Note that changing the beam shape on the transmitting side means changing the energy intensity distribution of the electromagnetic wave on the receiving side, and as a result, there is a relationship in which the total received power is changed.

[0047] In the flow of Fig. 6, first, in processing step S31, the ground facility 2 transmits a pilot signal, and the aerial facility 1 receives the signal and forms a beam based on the phase information of the pilot signal to transmit power. The beam shape at this time is set as the initial optimum shape. In processing step S32, the received power is measured by multiple power conversion modules on the ground facility 2 side, and the amount of received power generated by these multiple power conversion modules is added up to obtain the total amount of received power.

[0048] Then, in process step S33, the beam shape is selected from a plurality of patterns prepared in advance, the pattern is changed in sequence, and power is transmitted again. In process step S34, similar to process step S32, the received power is measured by a plurality of power conversion modules on the ground equipment 2 side, and the amount of received power generated by the plurality of power conversion modules is added up to obtain the total amount of received power.

[0049] Thus, the total amount of received power in a plurality of beam shape patterns including the optimum pattern is detected on the ground facility 2 side. In response to this, in processing step S35, the total amount of received power in the stored optimum pattern is compared with the total amount of received power in other patterns. As a result, if the total amount of received power has increased, the process proceeds to processing step S36, and if the total amount of received power has decreased, the process proceeds to processing step S37.

[0050] In the process of step S36 when the total amount of received power increases, it means that the selected beam shape pattern shows higher efficiency than the optimal pattern, and the selected pattern is stored as a new optimal beam pattern.In the process of step S37 when the total amount of received power decreases, it means that the selected beam shape pattern shows lower efficiency than the optimal pattern, and the pattern before the change is stored as the optimal beam pattern.

[0051] After processing steps S36 and S37, in processing steps S38 and S39, the remaining beam patterns that have not yet been implemented are selected and processing proceeds to step S40. As in processing step S32, the received power is measured by multiple power conversion modules on the ground equipment 2 side, and the amount of received power generated by these multiple power conversion modules is added up to obtain the total amount of received power.

[0052] In the process of processing step S41, it is confirmed that power transmission and subsequent power amount determination have been performed for all prepared beam shape patterns, and the confirmation process is continued to determine a pattern showing efficiency equal to or higher than the pattern determined to be optimal as a new optimal pattern. In the process of processing step S42, the beam shape is changed to the stored optimal pattern.

[0053] By performing the above process, operation at the optimum efficiency point is possible by performing operation with a beam shape pattern selected from a series of prepared patterns.

[0054] In the third embodiment, a beam shape pattern showing an optimum efficiency point is obtained, but as a modification or application, a beam shape pattern may not be prepared in advance, but may be appropriately selected during beam shape pattern generation. Also, a compromise may be made in which the optimum efficiency point of the second embodiment is obtained in a specific beam shape pattern, and the beam shape pattern is changed to continue to obtain the optimum efficiency point therein.

[0055] In short, the above-mentioned second and third embodiments change the beam transmission conditions on the space facility 1 side and obtain a high efficiency point using the amount of received power on the ground facility 2 side. In this case, the beam transmission condition to be changed is the beam transmission direction in the second embodiment, and is the beam shape in the third embodiment.

[0056] In short, the above-described third embodiment of the present invention estimates the direction of the electromagnetic waves that improves power generation efficiency from the difference in the amount of received power among the plurality of power conversion modules. EXAMPLES

[0057] In contrast, in the following embodiment, a method for determining a high efficiency point using the amount of received power mainly on the ground facility 2 side will be described.

[0058] First, in the fourth embodiment, a method of estimating a highly efficient beam transmission direction based on a difference in the amount of received power between each power receiving area (power conversion module) will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the fourth embodiment.

[0059] Fig. 7 shows an enlarged view of the XY plane on the left side of Fig. 4, and shows that, for example, four power conversion modules 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are arranged on this plane. The areas of the power conversion modules 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are A, B, C, and D, respectively, and the powers detected in these areas are P(A), P(B), P(C), and P(D), respectively. Note that the power detection in each area does not have to be based on the total value of the area, and the value at the representative point of the area may be used, and in this case, it is preferable to use a symmetrical point.

[0060] In this figure, the ● indicates the beam focus position, and the initial position of the beam focus should have been at the boundary between the power conversion modules 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, but it has shifted to the position shown in the figure. Therefore, if the magnitude of the received power is represented by the shading of the background, it indicates that the power conversion module 4a is generating a high power.

[0061] 7, first, as initial values, the beam focus position at the current position and the amount of power received in each of the power receiving areas A, B, C, and D are measured. Next, from the measured amount of power received, for example, the difference in the power received between area A and area D (P(A)-P(D)) and the difference in the power received between area B and area C (P(B)-P(C)) are calculated.

[0062] Then, the deviation of the beam focus position is evaluated. The deviation in the X-axis direction is calculated as (P(A)-P(D))-(P(B)-P(C))=P(A)+P(C))-(P(B)-P(D), and the deviation in the Y-axis direction is calculated as (P(A)-P(D))+(P(B)-P(C))=P(A)+P(B))-(P(C)-P(D).

[0063] Next, the beam focus position is shifted according to the evaluated shift amount, and the beam shift amount is evaluated again. The above control is repeated to approach the high efficiency point.

[0064] 8 is a flow chart showing a control method according to the fourth embodiment. Here, the deviation amount of the beam focal position is estimated from the amount of power in the power receiving area.

[0065] First, in processing step S51, a pilot signal is transmitted from the ground facility 2, and the aerial facility 1 receives the signal and forms a beam based on the phase information of the pilot signal to transmit power. The beam direction at this time is the power receiving center direction. In processing step S52, the received power is measured by multiple power conversion modules on the ground facility 2 side, and the received power amounts P(A), P(B), P(C), and P(D) generated by the multiple power conversion modules are obtained.

[0066] In processing step S53, the deviation of the beam transmission direction from the power receiving center direction is calculated from the measured power values ​​P(A), P(B), P(C), and P(D). Here, the deviation of each axis direction is calculated as (P(A)-P(D))-(P(B)-P(C))=P(A)+P(C))-(P(B)-P(D) for the X-axis direction, and (P(A)-P(D))+(P(B)-P(C))=P(A)+P(B))-(P(C)-P(D) for the Y-axis direction.

[0067] In processing step S55, the amount of deviation of the beam transmission direction from the power receiving center direction is compared with a threshold value, and if it is outside the threshold value, the phase difference of the transmitter is adjusted so that the beam angle moves in a direction that corrects the deviation calculated in processing step S54, and processing returns to processing step S52, and thereafter the operation is repeated until the amount of deviation of the beam transmission direction from the power receiving center direction falls within the threshold value.

[0068] In short, the above-described fourth embodiment of the present invention estimates the electromagnetic wave direction that improves power generation efficiency from the difference in the amount of power received by the plurality of power conversion modules when the direction of the electromagnetic waves is changed. EXAMPLES

[0069] In the fifth embodiment as well, a description will be given of estimating highly efficient beam transmission from the difference in the amount of received power between each power receiving area (power conversion module).

[0070] In the fifth embodiment, the beam focal position at the current position and the amount of power received in each power receiving area are measured as initial values. After that, the beam focal position is shifted, the change in the amount of power in each power receiving area is confirmed, the direction to shift the beam is determined from the amount of power change, and the above control is repeated to search for a high efficiency point.

[0071] 9a and 9b are diagrams showing the concept of the fifth embodiment. Using these figures, the concept of shifting the beam focal position and checking the change in the amount of power in each power receiving area will be explained. In these figures, the explanation will be focused on an area where 49 power conversion modules are arranged (7x7) among multiple power conversion modules located at each point on the XY coordinate system.

[0072] The upper left of Figure 9a numerically represents the transmit beam intensity in state 1. The lower left also indicates the focal position of the transmit beam with a ●, indicating that the maximum transmit beam intensity and the focal position of the transmit beam coincide. This lower left diagram also numerically represents the gain distribution, which is determined by factors such as the gains of multiple power conversion modules. The expected amount of power received by the multiple power conversion modules at this time is written on the right. At this time, we will consider the case where the focal position of the transmit beam, indicated by a ●, is shifted to the left on the X-axis.

[0073] However, when shifting to the left on the X-axis, the conventional center of gravity position adjustment using symmetry causes the beam to move, leaving the biased portion due to asymmetric bias. Since the center of gravity is not at the center, it does not move to the center (the figure above shows the amount of power received when it is at the center). Therefore, it is not possible to adjust it to the location where the total amount of power received is the greatest.

[0074] In contrast, in Fig. 9b, where processing is performed based on the change in the amount of power received in each power receiving region, the change in the amount of power received by each of the 49 power conversion modules when shifted from state 1 to state 2 is shown numerically in the upper left. Similarly, the change in the amount of power received by each of the 49 power conversion modules when shifted from state 2 to state 3 is shown numerically in the lower left. Also, the right side shows a case where the beam focal position is further to the left than state 2. In the method of the present invention that focuses on the change in the amount of power received by each of the above-mentioned inventions, a comparison of the increase and decrease shows that it is better to shift the beam to the center position.

[0075] 10 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to Example 5. Note that this flow includes processes in the space facility 1 and the ground facility 2, and will be described separately as appropriate.

[0076] First, in processing step S61, a pilot signal is transmitted from the ground facility 2, and the space facility 1 receives the signal and forms a beam based on the phase information of the pilot signal to transmit power. Note that the direction of the beam at this time is set to the power receiving center direction.

[0077] Thereafter, in process step S62, the phase of the transmitter is adjusted so that the beam angle on the spatial facility 1 side is tilted by the step angle+Δθ, and a beam is formed based on this phase information to transmit power again.

[0078] In process step S63, the power values ​​are measured individually in the multiple power conversion modules on the ground facility 2 side. In process step S64, the change in the power value measured here for each power conversion module and the total change are calculated. Note that the total change is the sum of the individual change amounts in the area determined by the 49 power conversion modules arranged (7x7) in the example of Fig. 9a.

[0079] In process step S65, it is confirmed whether the total amount of change is within the threshold value. If the total amount of change is within the threshold value, the process proceeds to process step S68, and if the total amount of change is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to process step S67.

[0080] Here, the state in which the total change amount is determined to be within the threshold value in processing step S65 and the process proceeds to processing step S68 can be determined to be likely caused by the area defined by the 49 power conversion modules arranged (7x7) in the example of Figure 9a being near the high efficiency point in Figure 4.

[0081] For this reason, in the subsequent processing step S68, the current state is maintained unless the total change value increases, and if it does increase, the beam transmission direction is returned to the state before the change in processing step S69 and operation is continued.

[0082] Conversely, when the total amount of change is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value in the process of step S65 and the process proceeds to step S67, it can be determined that the area determined by the 49 power conversion modules (7x7) arranged in the example of Fig. 9a is highly likely to be located outside the high efficiency point in Fig. 4. Since it is located outside the peak of the efficiency mountain, it can be estimated that a slight change in the beam angle causes a large fluctuation in the received power.

[0083] For this reason, in the process of step S67, the direction of changing the beam angle is determined from the distribution of the power change amount of each power conversion module.Furthermore, in the process of step S66, the phase difference of the transmitter is adjusted so that the transmission beam angle is moved by the step angle in the determined direction on the space facility 1 side.Then, the processes from step S63 onwards are repeatedly executed.

[0084] In short, the fifth embodiment of the present invention described above estimates the distribution of electromagnetic waves from the difference in the amount of received power in a plurality of power conversion modules when the direction of the electromagnetic waves is changed. EXAMPLES

[0085] In the sixth embodiment, a description will be given of estimating a transmission beam distribution from a difference in the amount of received power between each power receiving area (power conversion module).

[0086] In the sixth embodiment, the beam focal position at the current position and the amount of power received in each power receiving area are measured as initial values, the beam focal position is shifted to check the change in the amount of power in each power receiving area, and the beam distribution is estimated from the amount of power change.

[0087] The concept of the sixth embodiment will be explained using figures starting from Fig. 11. First, Fig. 11 assumes a model example with power conversion modules arranged in series. For easy explanation, a model example with five power conversion modules arranged in series on one axis (X-axis) is taken up, and the respective received powers are indicated as P1-P5. In addition, the position on the X-axis is X=0-5, and the beam focal position is at the position f(X3).

[0088] In this case, the transmitter will be located directly above the third power conversion module, but if the beam angle on the transmitter side is shifted by Δθ, the transmission will be toward the fourth power conversion module, which is next to the third power conversion module. In other words, the beam angle Δθ is set so that the light is irradiated to the neighboring power conversion module.

[0089] All of Fig. 12 shows the beam intensity in the power conversion module. The left side shows the beam intensity In(f) in the power conversion module n, and the beam intensity In(f) in the power receiving module n at a certain beam focal position f depends on the angle Δθ from the beam receiving center direction, and therefore can be expressed by a distribution like the one shown on the left side of Fig. 12, which shows the maximum value when the beam focal position and the module position are aligned.

[0090] 12 shows the beam intensity I3(f) at the power conversion module 3. Here, since the altitude H to the space facility 1 is extremely large compared to the distance Δx between adjacent power conversion modules, the beam intensity In(f) at the power conversion module n can be expressed by axis conversion of the position of the module n.

[0091] The right side of Fig. 12 shows the beam intensity I4(f) at the power conversion module 4. When x3=0 with the power conversion module 3 as the center, it can be calculated as I4(f)=I3(f-(x4-x3))=I3(f-x4).

[0092] Next, the amount of power received by the power conversion module n, Pn(f), is calculated by multiplying the beam intensity by gn, which includes factors such as environmental attenuation and circuit gain, and can be expressed as in the following equation (1).

[0093]

number

[0094] As a result, the total power received P(f) can be expressed as shown in equation (2) below.

[0095]

number

[0096] The amount of change P(f) / dx can be expressed as in the following equation (3): The first term in equation (3) represents the amount of change in power conversion module 1, the second term represents the amount of change in power conversion module 2, the third term represents the amount of change in power conversion module 3, the fourth term represents the amount of change in power conversion module 4, and the fifth term represents the amount of change in power conversion module 5.

[0097]

number

[0098] From the above formula, it can be seen that the power change amount of each power conversion module indicates the slope of the beam intensity I3(f) when the beam focus is centered at f=x3, and the distribution of I3(f) can be estimated. Since the beam intensity I3(f) is known, the received beam intensity distribution I(x) at a certain beam focus position can be known.

[0099] Next, we will explain how to obtain the power distribution using Figure 13. On the left and right sides of this Figure 13, the X axis is plotted on the horizontal axis and the amount of received power is plotted on the vertical axis, with the left side showing a state in which the peak of the amount of received power is at the focal position of the beam, and the right side showing a state in which the peak of the amount of received power is at a position X=an away from the focal position of the beam. The received power distribution in this example is assumed to have both large and small peaks.

[0100] In this case, if Y(x) is the total amount of power received at the beam focal position x, Yn(x) is the amount of power received at the power conversion module n, bn is the coefficient at the power conversion module n (attenuation factor, circuit gain, etc.), and f(x) is the beam intensity at the beam focal position x, then equations (4) and (5) are established.

[0101]

number

[0102]

number

[0103] Then, the slope of the tangent line is calculated from the change in the amount of received power using equation (6) to estimate the distribution. At this time, the gain information of the power receiver side measured in advance may be used to make corrections as shown in equation (7).

[0104]

number

[0105]

number

[0106] This process may utilize beam distribution information to estimate gain information on the receiver side, or may utilize two or more pieces of state information to estimate each distribution using other methods (e.g., widening the beam width) rather than adjusting the beam transmission direction.

[0107] Fig. 14a shows an example of determining the tilt, Fig. 14b shows an example of estimating the distribution of the beam focal position from the power measurement amount at x = 1 and x = 2, and Fig. 14c shows a table of the estimated power distribution. The table in Fig. 14c shows the beam distribution, gain, and amount of power received for each X-axis position.

[0108] To further supplement the specific example, first assume a beam distribution with the beam focus position at the center (f=0) as shown in Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 shows the beam intensity versus the relative position from the beam focus, with the beam intensity at its maximum at the beam focus position (f=0). The table in Figure 16 numerically displays the beam distribution, gain, and amount of power received at each position.

[0109] Next, the received power distribution when the focal position is changed to f=1, f=2 is shown in Fig. 17, and the change in the amount of received power is shown in Fig. 18. Fig. 17 shows that the more the focal position is shifted, the more the peak moves to the right. The table in Fig. 18 numerically expresses the estimated distribution beam along with the amount of received power and the amount of change at each focal position (f=1, f=2).

[0110] As a result, the beam distribution at the focal position f=0 can be estimated from the amount of power received by each power conversion module and the amount of change in power received, as shown in Figure 19. Figure 19 shows that the beam distribution (5.00) at the position after the shift (-10) was estimated from the amount of power received (5.00 and 3.95) at the positions before and after the shift (-9 and -10) and the amount of change (-1.05).

[0111] 20 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to Example 6. Note that this flow includes processes in the space facility 1 and the ground facility 2, and will be described separately as appropriate.

[0112] First, in processing step S71, a pilot signal is transmitted from the ground facility 2, and the space facility 1 receives the signal and forms a beam based on the phase information of the pilot signal to transmit power. Note that the beam direction at this time is set to the power receiving center direction.

[0113] Thereafter, in process step S72, the phase of the transmitter is adjusted so that the beam angle on the spatial facility 1 side is tilted by the step angle+Δθ, and a beam is formed based on this phase information to transmit power again.

[0114] Next, in processing step S73, the power value of each power conversion module is measured on the ground equipment 2 side, in processing step S74, the power change amount of each power conversion module is calculated from the measured power value, in processing step S75, the slope (gain) of the tangent from the power change amount of each power conversion module is calculated from the measured power value, in processing step S76, the power change amount is corrected from gain information of the power change amount of each power conversion module, and in processing step S77, the transmit beam distribution is determined from the position information of each power conversion module and the corrected power change amount.

[0115] In short, the sixth embodiment of the present invention described above estimates the distribution of electromagnetic waves from the difference in the amount of power received by a plurality of power conversion modules when the direction of the electromagnetic waves is changed. EXAMPLES

[0116] In Example 7, which is a derivative of Example 6, it will be explained how increasing the number of measurement points makes it possible to estimate the relative gain of each power conversion module, and also how it is possible to estimate environmental attenuation by comparing the amount of change from the ideal distribution with the amount of change in the actual measured value.

[0117] Here, we focus on the above-mentioned formula (3). According to this formula (3), the change in the received power of each power conversion module is proportional to the gain of each power conversion module and the change in the receiving beam intensity. Therefore, if the change in the receiving beam intensity is measured in the same range, the gain ratio can be found.

[0118] For example, when (x1, x2, x3, x4, x5) = (-2, -1, 0, 1, 2), f = -1, 0, 1, and the gains of power conversion module 2 and power conversion module 3 are (g2, g3) = (2, 1), the power amounts and power changes of power conversion module 2 and power conversion module 3 can be expressed as shown in Figures 21a and 21b, respectively. By comparing the values ​​in the frame in Figure 21b, the gain ratio g2 / g3 of each power conversion module can be obtained as shown in Figure 21c.

[0119] Figure 22a shows specific examples of gain and received power at each beam position. Based on this data example, Figure 22b shows the distribution estimated from the measured power when the beam focal positions are x=1, x=2, and x=3, and Figure 22c shows the relative gain estimated from the difference in slope (difference in power) in the same section.

[0120] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a processing flow for estimating a relative gain. In this diagram, in processing step S81, a pilot signal is transmitted from the ground facility 2 side, and the spatial facility 1 side receives this and forms a beam based on the phase information of the pilot signal to transmit power. The beam direction at this time is set to the power receiving center direction. After that, in processing step S82, the spatial facility 1 adjusts the phase of the transmitter so that the beam angle is tilted by the step angle + Δθ in an arbitrary module arrangement direction, and a beam is formed based on this phase information to transmit power again.

[0121] In process step S83, the received power is measured by a plurality of power conversion modules on the side of the ground facility 2, and in process step S84, the amount of power change in each power conversion module is calculated from the measured power value.

[0122] Then, in process step S85, it is determined whether or not there is a region where the integrated amount of the step angle is equal to the module interval in the module arrangement direction. If there is a region with the same amount of deviation, the process proceeds to process step S86, where the measured amount of power change is compared with that of the adjacent power conversion module to measure the relative gain. If there is no region with the same amount of deviation, the process returns to process step S82 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0123] Fig. 24 is a diagram showing a process flow for estimating environmental attenuation. Many parts of this diagram overlap with the process flow for estimating the relative gain in Fig. 24. The process steps S91 to S94 are the same, so the explanation is omitted. Then, in process step S97, the power change amount of each power conversion module is corrected using the gain value of each power conversion module.

[0124] Then, in process step S95, it is determined whether or not there is a region where the integrated amount of the step angle is equal to the module interval in the module arrangement direction. If there is a region with the same amount of deviation, the process proceeds to process step S96, where the corrected amount of power change is compared with the adjacent power conversion module to measure environmental attenuation. If there is no region with the same amount of deviation, the process returns to process step S92 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0125] In short, the seventh embodiment of the present invention described above estimates the distribution of electromagnetic waves from the difference in the amount of power received by multiple power conversion modules when the direction of the electromagnetic waves is changed, and further estimates the relative gain and environmental attenuation of the multiple power conversion modules using the distribution of electromagnetic waves. EXAMPLES

[0126] In the eighth embodiment, a description will be given of estimating a faulty power conversion module from a relative difference in the amount of received power between each power receiving area (power conversion module) when the beam transmission direction is adjusted.

[0127] For this reason, in the present invention, the beam focal position of the current position and the amount of power received in each power receiving area are measured as initial values, the difference in the amount of power received with adjacent power conversion modules is calculated, and the power conversion module with a relatively reduced amount of received power is identified. This process is called edge processing. Next, the beam focal position is shifted, and the change in the amount of power in each power receiving area is confirmed, and among the power conversion modules with a relatively reduced amount of received power, the power conversion module with the smallest change in the amount of power is estimated to be a faulty power conversion module.

[0128] Figure 25 is a diagram to explain events that require edge processing. There are two possible causes for edge degradation: a steep beam distribution slope (left side of Figure 25) and a drop in the receiving side gain due to a malfunction or other reasons (right side of Figure 25). When the beam distribution is steep as in the left, the amount of change in the received power increases when the beam is shifted. In contrast, when the receiving side gain drops due to a malfunction, the amount of change in the received power is small.

[0129] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining how to estimate a faulty power conversion module from the relative power receiving difference of each power receiving area (power conversion module) when the beam transmission direction is adjusted. When the beam transmission direction is adjusted, the position shifts while the basic shape of the characteristics remains the same. By focusing on the relative power receiving difference that accompanies this shift, it is possible to find a fault in the power conversion module (output reduction: covered by an object, etc.) by observing the relative power amount difference and the change in the power amount difference. When the beam distribution slope is steep in the left side of FIG. 26, a power difference occurs at the same position, but when the power receiving side gain is reduced, such as in the case of a fault in the right side of FIG. 26, no power difference occurs at the same position, and this can be distinguished.

[0130] Fig. 27 is a flow diagram showing a control method according to the eighth embodiment. In this diagram, in processing step S101, a pilot signal is transmitted from the ground facility 2, and the space facility 1 receives the signal and transmits power by forming a beam based on phase information of the pilot signal. In processing step S102, the received power is measured by a plurality of power conversion modules on the ground facility 2 side, and in processing step S103, the power values ​​are compared between adjacent power conversion modules and the power difference is calculated. This processing is edge processing.

[0131] In process step S104, the phase difference of the transmitter is calculated so that the beam transmission direction is tilted by a step angle in an arbitrary direction. In process step S105, the received power is measured by a plurality of power conversion modules on the side of the ground facility 2. In process step S106, the amount of change in the received power of the power conversion module is measured from the measured power value.

[0132] In processing step S107, it is confirmed whether the power difference obtained by edge processing is equal to or greater than a threshold value. If it is within the threshold value, it is considered that the slope of the beam distribution on the left side of FIG. 26 is steep, and since this state is normal, no further processing is required.

[0133] If it is above the threshold, then in processing step S108, it is confirmed that the amount of power change is below the threshold. If it is below the threshold, this indicates that the power receiving side gain has decreased, and it can be determined that an abnormality (fault state) exists.

[0134] In short, the eighth embodiment of the present invention described above is a method for estimating a faulty power conversion module from the relative power reception difference among a plurality of power conversion modules when the direction of the electromagnetic wave is changed. EXAMPLES

[0135] In the ninth embodiment, adjustment of the beam shape will be described.

[0136] Figure 28 shows a state where rain clouds are present above the electromagnetic wave transmission path. First, the left side of Figure 28 shows a state where rain clouds are present above the vast ground facility 2 and approach the center of the power conversion device 4. In this case, sufficient transmission of the electromagnetic waves 3 cannot be expected, and the generated power decreases. In contrast, if a double-peak beam shape is used as shown on the right side of Figure 28, it becomes possible to transmit the electromagnetic waves while avoiding the rain clouds, and the power drop can be limited.

[0137] Fig. 29 is a process flow for adjusting the beam shape. First, in processing step S111, it is confirmed that the target value and the actually measured amount of received power differ by more than a threshold value in the set ground area, and if there is no difference between the target value and the actually measured amount of received power, it is determined that the present invention is not applicable.

[0138] If the difference between the target value and the actually measured amount of received power is equal to or greater than the threshold, the transmission beam shape is changed in processing step S112. After that, the transmission beam shape is restored to the original shape after a certain period of time has elapsed in processing step S113.

[0139] In short, the above-described ninth embodiment of the present invention changes the beam shape when the central portion of the electromagnetic wave distribution is subject to large environmental attenuation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1: Space equipment 2: Ground facilities 3: Electromagnetic waves 4: Power conversion device 5: Solar panels

Claims

1. A space solar power generation system including a space facility that converts electric power into electromagnetic waves and transmits the electromagnetic waves, and a ground facility that receives the electromagnetic waves and converts them into electric power using a power conversion device composed of a plurality of power conversion modules, The ground facility has a function of estimating a direction of the electromagnetic waves that improves power generation efficiency based on power measured by a power conversion device having a plurality of power conversion modules, and instructing the space facility on the estimated direction of the electromagnetic waves; A space solar power generation system characterized in that the space facility has a function of changing the direction or shape of the transmitted electromagnetic waves depending on the commanded direction of the electromagnetic waves.

2. 2. The space solar power generation system according to claim 1, A space solar power generation system characterized in that the ground equipment estimates the direction of the electromagnetic waves in which power generation efficiency is improved based on the total amount of power received by the power conversion device.

3. 2. The space solar power generation system according to claim 1, A space solar power generation system characterized in that the ground equipment estimates the direction of the electromagnetic waves in which power generation efficiency is improved based on the total amount of power received by the power conversion device when the direction of the electromagnetic waves is changed.

4. 2. The space solar power generation system according to claim 1, A space solar power generation system characterized in that the ground equipment estimates the direction of the electromagnetic waves in which power generation efficiency is improved based on the difference in the amount of power received by the multiple power conversion modules.

5. 2. The space solar power generation system according to claim 1, A space solar power generation system characterized in that the ground equipment estimates the direction of the electromagnetic waves that improves power generation efficiency from the difference in the amount of power received by multiple power conversion modules when the direction or shape of the electromagnetic waves is changed.

6. 2. The space solar power generation system according to claim 1, A space solar power generation system characterized in that the ground equipment estimates the distribution of the electromagnetic waves from the difference in the amount of power received by the multiple power conversion modules when the direction of the electromagnetic waves is changed.

7. 7. The space solar power generation system according to claim 6, A space solar power generation system, characterized in that the relative gains of a plurality of said power conversion modules are calculated using the distribution of said electromagnetic waves.

8. 7. The space solar power generation system according to claim 6, A space solar power generation system characterized in that environmental attenuation is estimated using the distribution of the electromagnetic waves.

9. 2. The space solar power generation system according to claim 1, A space solar power generation system characterized in that the ground equipment estimates which of the power conversion modules has failed based on the relative difference in the amount of power received in the plurality of power conversion modules when the direction of the electromagnetic waves is changed.

10. 9. The space solar power generation system according to claim 8, A space solar power generation system characterized in that the ground facility changes the beam shape when the central portion of the electromagnetic wave distribution is subject to large environmental attenuation.

11. 2. The space solar power generation system according to claim 1, A space solar power generation system characterized in that an attenuation distribution due to the environment, such as an electromagnetic wave beam shape, a received power distribution, or a spatial distribution of spatial propagation loss, is estimated from the power distribution measured by the power conversion device.

12. 12. The space solar power system according to claim 11, A space solar power generation system having a function of estimating a beam shape that improves power generation efficiency based on the attenuation distribution.

13. 2. The space solar power generation system according to claim 1, A space solar power generation system characterized in that the center of an electromagnetic wave or the amount of deviation (distance) from the center is detected by calculating the sum or difference of any combination of power values ​​measured by the power conversion device.

14. 2. The space solar power generation system according to claim 1, A space solar power generation system characterized in that the ground equipment estimates the direction of electromagnetic waves that will improve power generation efficiency using multiple starting points as initial values ​​for control, and determines from among these the direction of the electromagnetic waves that will produce the maximum efficiency.

15. 2. The space solar power generation system according to claim 1, A space solar power generation system characterized in that the direction of electromagnetic waves is determined by a multi-peak function optimization method based on the assumed direction of electromagnetic waves and the measured power value.

16. 2. The space solar power generation system according to claim 1, A space solar power generation system characterized in that the direction of electromagnetic waves that maximizes power generation efficiency is determined based on orbital position information of the space facility or control history information for a certain period of time in the past.

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