Movable Rectenna Positioning for Continuous Space Power Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional space solar power satellite systems face inefficiencies in electricity reception due to the inability to easily move Rectennas, requiring system shutdown for maintenance and leading to decreased efficiency over the product life cycle.
Innovation Solution
An electric-power conversion device with a propelling device, positioning device, control device, and electric-power supply system that allows for continuous and efficient reception of electromagnetic waves by moving and repositioning the conversion devices based on received power and position information, enabling improved electricity receiving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Rectennas are made fixed and stationary, then system reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates and electricity receiving efficiency decreases during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the Rectenna movable rather than fixed. The electric-power conversion device is equipped with a propelling device that enables it to move to different positions on the ground. This allows the system to maintain reliability through continuous operation (by having multiple devices that can replace each other) while significantly improving ease of repair, as malfunctioning Rectennas can be physically moved away from the microwave beam path for maintenance without requiring system shutdown.
2Ease of repair
If Rectennas are made movable with propelling devices, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies theUniversality principle by designing the electric-power conversion device to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the microwave receiving antenna (Rectenna) and as a mobile platform with propelling capabilities. The positioning device and control device are integrated into the same unit, creating a multi-functional system that reduces overall complexity compared to having separate fixed Rectennas and independent mobile platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies theSelf-service principle through the control device that automatically controls the propelling device based on position information from the positioning device and power reception data. This autonomous control capability reduces the need for external manual intervention, simplifying the operational complexity while maintaining ease of repair through automated position adjustment and maintenance scheduling.
3Productivity
If multiple electric-power conversion devices are deployed, then electricity receiving efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Merging principle by combining multiple electric-power conversion devices into a coordinated system where they work together to receive microwave power. The devices share common control mechanisms through the positioning and control systems, allowing them to function as an integrated unit rather than independent complex systems. This merging approach improves overall electricity receiving efficiency through distributed reception while managing system complexity through unified control architecture.
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 solution allows for continuous and efficient electricity reception, even during maintenance, by using movable electric-power conversion devices that can be repositioned to optimize energy intake and extend system lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
Rectennas installed on the ground receive the microwave energy and convert the microwave energy into electric power
Data Source
AI summary
An electric-power conversion device receives an electromagnetic wave transmitted from space and converts the electromagnetic wave into electric power. The electric-power conversion device includes: an electric-power conversion portion for receiving an electromagnetic wave transmitted from space and converting the electromagnetic wave into electric power; a propelling device or driving device for moving the electric-power conversion device; a positioning device for determining the position of the electric-power conversion device; a control device for controlling the propelling device or the driving device based on information about the position and the electric power received by the electric-power conversion portion; and an electric-power supply device for supplying the electric power received by the electric-power conversion portion to an electric system.