Conical Power Conversion Module for Space Solar Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space solar power systems face challenges such as the need for large copper wiring, structural mass, and on-orbit assembly difficulties in existing designs, along with efficiency reduction due to waste heat and temperature issues.
Innovation Solution
A space solar power system with a conical power conversion module that uses off-axis parabolic reflectors for two-axis sun tracking, integrating photovoltaic and microwave systems back-to-back, and employing III-V multijunction solar cells for efficient energy conversion, with enhanced thermal management through increased radiative surface area and lightweight structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large photovoltaic array with copper wiring is used to supply power to microwave conversion, then electrical power can be generated, but the mass of copper wiring and supporting structure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the photovoltaic array, microwave conversion electronics, and antenna system into a single integrated module. This merging eliminates the need for separate copper wiring and supporting structures that would be required to connect discrete components, thereby reducing mass while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions simultaneously: generating electrical power via photovoltaic cells, converting DC to microwave frequency, and transmitting microwaves through the antenna. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems and interconnections, reducing overall mass.
2Power
If a flat photovoltaic array is used with separate microwave conversion module, then power conversion can be achieved, but a large supporting structure and gimbaled connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the photovoltaic array, microwave conversion electronics, and antenna into a single monolithic module. This integration eliminates the need for complex supporting structures and gimbaled connections that would be required to maintain alignment between separate components, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Loss of energy
If PV array and microwave systems are integrated back-to-back in compact module, then long power cables and slip rings are eliminated, but waste heat creates high temperatures that reduce system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration, with the photovoltaic array positioned above the microwave conversion electronics. This vertical arrangement allows heat to dissipate in multiple directions and enables better thermal management through increased surface area for radiation, thereby reducing operating temperatures.
4Productivity
If two-axis reflector array is used for sun tracking, then sunlight can be directed continuously, but structural mass to maintain the flat disc module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flat disc module with a curved or conical module design. This curvature allows the module to track the sun by rotating as a single unit rather than requiring complex two-axis tracking mechanisms, thereby reducing structural mass while maintaining continuous sun-tracking capability.
5Ease of manufacture
If conventional flat module design is used, then assembly can be straightforward, but radiative surface area for heat dissipation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple layers and extended surfaces, dramatically increasing the radiative surface area available for heat dissipation. This vertical expansion allows efficient heat rejection without complicating the manufacturing process, as the stacked architecture can be assembled from discrete modules.
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 design improves thermal control, reduces mass and cost, increases efficiency, and allows for compact launch and robotic assembly, maintaining lower operating temperatures and enhancing overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
A space solar power system with a conical power conversion module that uses off-axis parabolic reflectors for two-axis sun tracking, integrating photovoltaic and microwave systems back-to-back, and employing III-V multijunction solar cells for efficient energy conversion
Implementation Method 2
supply electrical power to an antenna system that would convert the power to microwaves and beam it to earth
Implementation Method 3
A space solar power system with a conical power conversion module that uses off-axis parabolic reflectors for two-axis sun tracking
Implementation Method 4
waste heat from PV and microwave devices creates high temperatures that significantly reduce system efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A space solar power system that has sun-tracking curved reflectors, such as off-axis parabolic reflectors, a secondary reflector, and a power conversion module for converting the sunlight into microwave energy and transmit the energy to remote locations. The power conversion module can have a modular stepped conical shape, with additional radiator area configured in vertical sidewalls, horizontal radiator panels, or both. Hinged, fold-out units can house the microwave conversion electronics and the antenna for transmitting the microwave radiation to the remote ground station.