Sun Sensor Shape Estimation for Space Solar Power Phase Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space-based solar power systems face challenges in efficiently determining relative displacements of antennas in phase array systems due to structural deformations and lack of precise positioning, which affects the efficiency of wireless power transmission.
Innovation Solution
The use of sun sensors connected to microprocessors and combined with accelerometers and gyroscopes to determine the shape and displacement of phase arrays, allowing for phase offset calculations to enhance transmission efficiency, along with a distributed approach for coordinating power generation tiles and antennas in a modular structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning methods are used for antennas in phase array systems, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of antenna displacement and shape determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning systems with an optical sensing system using sun sensors. Instead of using complex mechanical actuators and encoders to track antenna positions, the system uses sun sensors to optically detect the shape and orientation of the supporting structure, thereby determining antenna positions through geometric calculations. This substitution of mechanical measurement with optical sensing reduces device complexity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sun sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly measure antenna positions. Rather than directly measuring antenna displacement, the system uses sun sensors to detect the shape of the supporting structure, which serves as an intermediary reference. The antenna positions are then calculated based on the known geometric relationship between the structure shape and antenna locations, providing precise measurement without direct mechanical contact.
2Productivity
If structural deformations are not compensated for, then device complexity is reduced, but wireless power transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sun sensors continuously monitor the shape of the supporting structure, detecting deformations caused by thermal expansion, vibration, or other environmental factors. This shape information is fed back to the phase array system, which then calculates and applies compensatory phase adjustments to maintain optimal wireless power transmission efficiency despite structural deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the phase parameters of the antenna elements based on detected structural deformations. When the sun sensors detect changes in the supporting structure's shape, the system adjusts the phase and amplitude parameters of each antenna element to compensate for the displacement, thereby maintaining the focused beam pattern and transmission efficiency despite the structural changes.
3Productivity
If precise antenna alignment is maintained through active compensation, then wireless power transmission efficiency is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service alignment system where the sun sensors autonomously detect structural deformations and trigger automatic phase compensation without requiring external intervention. The system uses the natural sunlight as a free reference source for shape detection, eliminating the need for active illumination or complex reference systems, thereby maintaining precise antenna alignment with minimal additional energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial compensation rather than continuous full-scale adjustment. The sun sensors detect deformations and trigger phase corrections only when necessary to maintain transmission efficiency, rather than continuously adjusting all antenna elements. This partial action approach maintains adequate alignment while reducing the energy expenditure compared to continuous active compensation of all possible deviations.
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 improves the efficiency of wireless power transmission by accurately determining phase offsets and maintaining precise antenna alignment, thereby increasing the overall efficiency and economic viability of space-based solar power systems.
Implementation Method 1
sun sensors can be placed on the power generation tiles to detect the intensity of illumination on the sensor, thereby determining the angle of the sun sensor with respect to the sun
Data Source
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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 generated by an array of sun sensors that estimate the shape of the module to evaluate the phase shift and/or amplitude modulation to apply to the reference signal at each power transmitter.