Solar Power Satellite

INTRODUCTION

Now-a-days we are using the solar power to generate electricity by the solar panels mounted on the earth.

In outer space, the sun always shines brightly. No clouds block the solar rays, and there is no nighttime. Solar collectors mounted on an orbiting satellite would thus generate power .

A new method for power generation in which the solar power is converted into microwaves through satellites called Solar Power Satellites (SPS) and it is received using a special type of antennae called Rectenna, mounted on earth surface.

HISTORYProducing electricity in space from sunlight is used

by hundreds of satellites in operation today.In 1968, Dr. Peter Glaser, formerly of NASA,

introduced the concept of a solar power satellite system with square miles of solar collectors in high geosynchronous orbit to collect and convert the sun's energy into a microwave beam to transmit energy to large receiving antennas (Rectennas) on earth.

In 1999 NASA formed SERT, the Space Solar Power Exploratory Research and Technology program to perform design studies and evaluate feasibility.

WHY TO USE SPS?The SPS concept arose because space has several major

advantages over earth for the collection of solar power. There is no air in space, so the satellites would receive

somewhat more intense sunlight, unaffected by weather.The Solar Power Satellite (SPS) concept would place solar

power plants in orbit above Earth, where they would convert sunlight to electricity and beam the power to ground-based receiving stations.

The latter problems have plagued ground based solar power concepts, but the SPS suffers none of the traditional limitations of ground-based solar power.

With SPS maximum energy loss due to eclipses is only a 120 hours a year.

RECTENNARECTENNA=RECTIFIER+ANTENNA.It converts microwave energy to DC

electricity.Constructed from a SCHOTTKY diode placed

between antenna dipoles.Efficiency-90%

ENERGY CONVERSIONThe SPS is a gigantic satellite designed as an electric

power plant orbiting the Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO). It consists of mainly three segments; i)solar energy collector to convert the solar energy into DC

(direct current) electricity .we use photo voltaic cells.ii)DC-to-microwave converter, and large antenna array to

beam down the microwave power to the ground. iii) incoming microwave radiation into DC current and

hence the name Rectenna.

Solar panels on satellite capture light, sends power to earth using microwave wireless power transmission technology

Signal sent from receiving antenna on earth (green) allows satellite to pinpoint it’s microwave beam.

SPS MODEL

MODELSTRANSMITTER & RECTENNA RECEIVER

Transmission of PowerRECTENNA==Radio frequency energyDC

voltageAC electricityHomes,Factories,etc.DC input at solar cells to the DC output of

Rectenna. DC to DC efficiency—63%

Environmental EffectsThe SPS will operate at a frequency designed

to NOT be absorbed by water in the atmosphere, and to pass through the clouds and rain.

SPS beam does not cause any effects to the environment,because micro waves have less frequency compared to others.

It produces less heating effect.

Communication Satellites BenefitsExtending life of satellites (e.g., selling old

satellite to less developed countries)"Improved electromagnetic shielding and

other minor modifications would be expected to eliminate or substantially reduce effects to allow normal performance."

Make your own RECTENNA

General Benefits

No pollution after construction

Source of energy is free

Large amount of energy potential.

Space Advantages Dis- advantages of SPS

Less atmosphere for sunlight to penetrate for more power per unit area

Any location on Earth can receive power

Satellite can provide power up to 96% of the time

Solar panels do not take up land on Earth

Lots of space in spacePromote growth of space,

solar, and power transmission tec

VERY expensive initial cost

Microwave/lasers may be harmful?

Cosmic rays can deteriorate panels

Maintenance ProblemsVery large receiving

antennas on earthSolar winds could kick it

off course

CONCLUSIONMajor way to face demand of ELECTRICITY.We need not bother about the exhaustment of natural

resources which are used in generation of power. It will become boon to the next generations.

THANK YOU

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