Parameter Selection for a Space Power Grid

Abstract

This paper continues work on an evolutionary, revenue-generating approach to Space Solar Power. In previous work, a 3-stage, self-sustaining program was proposed, that enables growth to full Space Solar power in 20 to 30 years. The approach is to first use a constellation of spacecraft in sun-synchronous orbits as a microwave power grid connecting renewable energy plants situated around the world. This step generates revenue primarily from the large temporal and geographic variations in cost and supply of electric power. It enables location of new renewable power plants in remote locations, and minimizes reserve needs for baseload qualification. In a second phase, replacements for the first generation satellites would incorporate converters from solar power to microwave beams, followed by placement of large ultralight collectors in high orbits to beam sunlight directly to the converters. Recent developments have improved options in the near millimeter wave regime. In this paper, the Phase 1 architecture is altered to investigate the minimum power level at which the system will pay for itself in 30 years. Cost estimates are related to the published literature and shown to be conservative. Parameter choices are systematically related to the Net Present Value.

The Space Power Grid: Synergy between space, energy and security policies

“…ESTABLISHING SYSTEM SIZE AND POWER LEVEL In Ref. [17] we explored the minimum size of the Phase 1 system, required to make it self-sustaining regardless of the implementation of Phases 2 and 3. Such a system would require the motivations that drive Space agencies worldwide, and hence must have SSP as an ultimate goal.…”

Space Power System - Motivation, Review and Vision

“…Such a system involving global power exchange obviously requires international collaboration on a global scale. Komerath et al (2007) proposes a global public-private Consortium, partially based on the model for the European Space Agency, where member nations and private corporations collaborate to reduce risk, make low-interest funding available, and organize the construction of major Space infrastructure. This set up is also shown to be open a path towards resolving some of the most vexing obstacles in space resource utilization, arising from current Space Law.…”

Near-Millimeter Wave Issues for a Space Power Grid

“…The cost and revenue aspects of the system were estimated at a zeroth-order level, and the results suggested that the system could be developed to the full SSP stage within 30 years at a reasonable level of public investment if the conversion efficiency became acceptable. In a recent paper at the AIAA Space 2008 conference (Komerath, 2008), we compared the economics of approaches using different frequencies and choices of orbits. It is seen that approaches using frequencies lower than 100 GHz are not viable, confirming the pessimism of those who have been struggling with traditional SSP concept for decades.…”

“…Possible efficiencies in this regime 4. Choices of orbits Establishing System Size and Power Level Komerath (2008) explored the minimum size of the Phase 1 system, required to make it self-sustaining regardless of the implementation of Phases 2 and 3. This is of course a steep requirement, as we have no evidence that the nations of the world would embark on a space-based grid solution to the issues of developing renewable energy plants.…”