Power Plant Construction and QA/QC

Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space

Engineering Technology Engineering Technology DivisionDivision

2

Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space

Overview

• Global Economy is Changing

• Increased use of Fossil Fuels Effects Ecology

• Growing World Population – 6,970,000,000

• 2 to 3 kW per person by 2050

• Need for Inexhaustible and Environmentally Friendly Energy

3

Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space

Wireless Power Transmission

Nicola Tesla – 1902

Wardenclyffe, New York

Attempted to 1914

4

Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space

Wireless Power Transmission

Attempted in 1964 and was successful

Attempted in 1975 and transmitted microwave power

1 mile to receiving antenna

5

Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space

Wireless Power TransmissionAttempted in 1987 Stationary High Altitude Platform

5.8 GHz, 500 kW

Attempted in 1994 Electron Beam – from MIR to Satellite - 800 miles - Russia

6

Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space

Solar Power Plant in Space

7

Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space

Solar Power Plant in Space

Technology Challenges

Low-Cost, Environmentally-Friendly Launch Vehicles - Cheaper, cleaner launch vehicles are needed.Large Scale In-Orbit Construction and Operations - To gather massive quantities of energy, solar power satellites must be large. Power Transmission - Small effort is needed to assess how to best transmit power from satellites to the Earth’s surface

High Development Cost - Space solar power development costs will be very large.

Potential Health and Safety Impacts – Flora and Fauna

Life Cycle Costs – 50 years vs.???

Location Competition – GEO population

8

Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space

Solar Power Plant in Space

Power Relay System

9

Questions?

Section 8.1 Solar Power Systems in Space