Optical Fiber Recovery Spooling for Space Launch Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems face limitations in transferring and converting high-power optical energy over long distances, particularly in non-line-of-sight conditions, due to attenuation losses and the need for extensive infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
An optical power transfer system comprising a fiber spooler and an electrical power extraction subsystem connected via an optical waveguide, allowing for the transmission of kilowatts to tens of megawatts of optical power over distances from a kilometer to one hundred kilometers or more, and subsequent conversion to heat, electricity, or mechanical work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If optical power is transmitted over long distances through fiber, then the transmission distance is improved, but the power loss due to attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling the optical fiber to cryogenic temperatures before power transmission. This temperature reduction is performed in advance to minimize attenuation losses during the subsequent long-distance power transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between transmission distance and power loss.
2Power
If high power optical energy is transmitted, then the power delivery capability is improved, but thermal damage to the fiber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling the optical fiber to cryogenic temperatures before high-power transmission. This advance cooling establishes a thermal margin that allows the fiber to withstand high power levels without thermal damage, resolving the contradiction between power delivery capability and thermal damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the temperature parameter of the optical fiber from ambient to cryogenic levels. This parameter change fundamentally modifies the fiber's thermal tolerance, enabling it to transmit high power without damage while maintaining low attenuation, thus resolving both the power delivery and thermal damage contradictions.
3Reliability
If traditional power infrastructure is used, then power transmission is reliable, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing traditional mechanical/electrical power transmission infrastructure with optical fiber-based power transmission. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electrical infrastructure while maintaining reliable power delivery, resolving the contradiction between reliability and infrastructure complexity.
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
Enables the efficient transmission and utilization of large amounts of optical power over long distances without the need for traditional power infrastructure, facilitating applications in remote, mobile, or hard-to-reach environments.
Implementation Method 1
light, or optical energy, can be sent down a relatively small diameter (e.g., twenty-five micron) glass optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the injected energy is lost due to several mechanisms including Rayleigh scattering
Implementation Method 3
infrared absorption loss is a function of wavelength and material
Implementation Method 4
subsequent conversion of the transferred optical energy to another form of energy such as heat, electricity, or mechanical work
Data Source
AI summary
A method of recovery of optical fiber expended during a parabolic launch trajectory of a spacecraft is disclosed. An optical fiber adapted for transmission of high optical energy sufficient to launch the spacecraft is connected at one end to the spacecraft and is released during launching of the spacecraft. The optical fiber expended from the spacecraft is then engaged by a drum spooler following launch of the spacecraft and the fiber has been fully spooled out by the spacecraft. The optical fiber is then reeled in prior to the fiber contacting the Earth. The recovered optical fiber is then collected for processing, cleaning and rewinding for future use of subsequent series of launches for as many times as possible.