Modular Space Solar Power Station With Phased-Array Beam Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The economic viability of space-based solar power systems is limited by the large size and high launch costs of satellites required to generate sufficient electrical power, as well as inefficiencies in power transmission due to the complexity of coordinating phased arrays of satellite modules in orbit.
Innovation Solution
A modular space-based solar power station composed of compactable independent satellite modules with integrated photovoltaic cells, power transmitters, and control circuits, which form a phased array in orbit to efficiently capture solar radiation and transmit power to Earth using steerable beams, with each module capable of independent operation and coordinated control to optimize power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large single satellite is used to generate sufficient electrical power, then power generation capacity is improved, but launch costs and satellite size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power system is divided into multiple independent satellite modules, each with its own photovoltaic cells and power transmission capability. These modules can be launched separately on smaller rockets and then assembled in orbit to form a phased array, reducing individual launch costs while achieving the required total power generation capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent satellite modules are combined in orbit to form a coordinated phased array system. The modules work together as a unified power generation and transmission system, merging their individual capabilities to achieve the required total power output while maintaining the benefits of modular construction.
2Power
If a large single satellite is used to generate sufficient electrical power, then power generation capacity is improved, but launch costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple smaller satellite modules that can be manufactured and launched separately using existing, more cost-effective launch vehicles. This avoids the need for extremely expensive heavy-lift launches required for a single large satellite, reducing overall launch costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite modules are prepared and tested independently on the ground before being launched and assembled in orbit. This preliminary preparation of modular units allows for standardized manufacturing processes and reduces the complexity and cost of single large satellite assembly.
3Productivity
If phased arrays of satellite modules are used to transmit power, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array system uses dynamic beam steering capability to electronically control the direction and focus of power transmission. This allows the system to adapt to different receiver positions and optimize transmission efficiency without mechanical reconfiguration, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the phase and amplitude of signals from individual modules, maintaining optimal coherent addition at the receiver. This automated feedback control simplifies the coordination of multiple modules by using real-time measurements to maintain efficient power transmission.
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 reduces the size and launch costs of individual satellites while enhancing the efficiency of solar energy collection and transmission by allowing for dynamic power allocation and beam steering, thereby improving the overall economic viability and performance of space-based solar power systems.
Implementation Method 1
each module having a plurality of power generation tiles having integrated photovoltaic cells
Implementation Method 2
The wireless power transmission application might include a microwave transmitter or laser emitter, which would direct its beam toward a collector
Implementation Method 3
an array antenna having the transmitting antennas of the power generation satellites in the power generation satellite group as element antennas is formed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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 is provided. Power transmitters can be coordinated as a phased array and the power generated by the phased array is transmitted to one or more power receivers to achieve remote wireless power generation and delivery. In many embodiments, a reference signal is distributed within the space-based solar power station to coordinate the phased array. In several embodiments, determinations of the relative locations of the antennas in the array are utilized to evaluate the phase shift and/or amplitude modulation to apply the reference signal at each power transmitter.