Space Solar Power Beaming With Optical PV Ground Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing space-based solar power (SSP) systems face challenges with microwave-based systems requiring large apertures and safety issues, while optical SSP systems face high beam quality and receiver material limitations, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with an artificial light source, such as diode lasers, that projects beams of light onto a large terrestrial photovoltaic array using incoherent light sources, directly coupled to the array, and utilizing existing solar cell technologies to convert light into electricity, with a radiator panel to manage heat and eliminate the need for complex power electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If microwave-based SSP systems are used, then power transmission can be achieved, but large apertures and rectenna areas are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from microwave frequency to optical frequency. This parameter change allows for much smaller aperture areas because optical wavelengths are orders of magnitude smaller than microwave wavelengths, enabling the same power transmission capability with dramatically reduced ground receiver area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the microwave-based electromagnetic system with an optical-based electromagnetic system. This substitution enables more efficient power transmission with smaller apertures by utilizing the shorter wavelength and higher directionality of optical beams compared to microwave radiation
2Power
If microwave-based SSP systems are used, then power transmission can be achieved, but safety issues arise due to microwave exposure limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from microwave frequency to optical frequency. This parameter change resolves safety issues because optical frequencies have different biological interaction characteristics and can be transmitted at higher intensities without the same exposure limitations that constrain microwave systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the microwave-based electromagnetic system with an optical-based electromagnetic system. This substitution eliminates microwave exposure safety concerns by using optical wavelengths that do not subject to the same regulatory exposure limits, enabling safer power transmission
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical SSP systems with small earth apertures are used, then safety limits are improved, but high beam quality laser sources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical beam transmission system into multiple lower-power beams that are individually transmitted and then combined at the ground receiver. This segmentation allows each individual beam to have relaxed quality requirements while the combined effect achieves the desired power transmission, eliminating the need for extremely high beam quality from single laser sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple partial beams rather than requiring a single excessive-quality beam. By transmitting multiple beams with moderate quality requirements and combining them at the receiver, the system achieves the necessary total power transmission without demanding ultra-high beam quality from individual laser sources
4Object-affected harmful factors
If optical SSP systems with small earth apertures are used, then safety limits are improved, but terrestrial solar cell arrays with different materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical transmission system to be compatible with standard terrestrial solar cell materials. By selecting optical wavelengths and beam parameters that match the spectral response of conventional silicon and other common photovoltaic materials, the system achieves universal compatibility with existing solar cell technology, eliminating the need for specialized receiver materials
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 safe, efficient, and cost-effective power transmission by using existing solar cell technologies, reducing the need for complex electronics and allowing large receiver areas, thereby increasing system efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic array disposed in an area on the earth or other celestial body that is 200 m-20 km or more in any one dimension that is configured to receive the projected one or more beams of light and is configured to convert the received one or more beams of light into electricity
Implementation Method 2
a radiator panel thermally coupled to the artificial light source and configured to dissipate heat generated by the artificial light source when projecting the one or more beams of light
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the disclosed subject matter provides a system having an artificial light source disposed at a distance from earth or other celestial body, where the artificial light source is configured to project one or more beams of light onto the earth or other celestial body. The system may include a photovoltaic array disposed in an area on the earth or other celestial body that is 200 m-20 km or more in any one dimension that is configured to receive the projected one or more beams of light and is configured to convert the received one or more beams of light into electricity.