Compactible Solar Power Satellite Modules for Launch Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in space-based solar power systems is the large size and weight of solar power satellites required to generate sufficient electrical power, which increases launch costs and reduces economic viability, due to the need for extensive platforms to collect solar energy efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The development of compactible lightweight structures for solar power satellite modules that can be deployed in orbit, using modular power generation tiles with integrated photovoltaic cells, power transmitters, and control circuits, allowing for phased array formation and efficient packaging and deployment mechanisms such as z-folding, fan-folding, and slip-folding to reduce volume and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large satellites with extensive platforms are used to generate sufficient electrical power, then power generation capability is improved, but launch costs increase and economic viability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power satellite is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently deployed. Each panel contains photovoltaic cells, microwave transmitters, and structural components. This segmentation allows the satellite to achieve large power generation capability (500 MW) through the collective output of many small modules rather than requiring a single large platform, significantly reducing launch mass and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite structure transitions from a compact three-dimensional form during launch to a large two-dimensional planar configuration in orbit. The panels are folded or rolled during launch to fit within rocket payload fairings, then deployed into extensive flat arrays that maximize solar energy collection area without requiring proportionally large launch vehicle capacity.
2Power
If large satellites with extensive platforms are used to generate sufficient electrical power, then power generation capability is improved, but launch costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite is constructed from numerous identical or standardized modular panels that can be manufactured independently and then assembled in orbit. This modular approach enables parallel manufacturing processes, quality control through repetition, and simplified replacement of individual modules, thereby reducing overall system cost despite the large total power generation capability of 500 MW.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the structural parameters from solid, dense construction to lightweight, sparse frameworks with extensive surface areas. By using thin substrates for photovoltaic cells, lightweight support structures, and minimal material between functional elements, the satellite achieves large power generation capability with dramatically reduced mass, directly lowering launch costs.
3Weight of moving object
If compactible structures are used to reduce volume and weight, then launch costs are reduced, but deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite panels incorporate movable joints, hinges, and actuation mechanisms that allow the structure to dynamically transition from a compact folded state during launch to a fully deployed flat configuration in orbit. These dynamic elements enable the panels to adapt their shape and size, achieving both compact packaging for launch and large operational surface area while managing deployment complexity through controlled mechanical motion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the creation of a large-scale space-based solar power station with reduced launch costs by using compactible structures that can be efficiently deployed in orbit, maintaining high power generation efficiency while minimizing material usage and launch weight.
Implementation Method 1
each of the power generation tiles having at least one photovoltaic cell
Data Source
AI summary
A space-based solar power station, a power generating satellite module and/or a method for collecting solar radiation and transmitting power generated using electrical current produced therefrom, and/or compactible structures and deployment mechanisms used to form and deploy such satellite modules and power generation tiles associated therewith are provided. Each satellite module and/or power generation tile may be formed of a compactable structure and deployment mechanism capable of reducing the payload area required to deliver the satellite module to an orbital formation within the space-based solar power station and reliably deploy it once in orbit.