The future belongs to Space Solar Energy. Discover the knowledge of Solar Power.

2. Dedicated by
Anil Patil
and
Kartikey Bajpayee
Space Based Solar Power

3. Introduction
Solar energy is the energy generated due to the thermonuclear
fusion reactions occurring in the sun.
Space-based solar power (SBSP) is the concept of collecting
solar power in space, using an "SPS", that is,
a "solar-power satellite" or a "satellite power system" for use
on earth.
SBSP would differ from current solar collection methods in
that the means used to collect energy would reside on an
orbiting satellite instead of on Earth's surface.

4. History of Space Based Solar Power
• SBSP was first described in November 1968.
• Dr Peter Glaser discovered the method of transmitting power over long
distances in 1973 (e.g., from an SPS to the Earth's surface) using
microwaves
• In 1997, NASA conducted its fresh look study to examine the modern
state of SBSP feasibility.
• On November 2, 2012; China proposed space collaboration with India
in SBSP.

5. Solar array
Microwave circuits
Spacetenna
Rectenna
DC-RF conversion
Block diagram

6. Space-based solar power system essentially consists of three elements:
1. A means of collecting solar power in space, for example solar
concentrators or solar cells.
2. A medium of transmitting power to earth, for example microwaves.
3. A means for receiving power on earth, for example an antenna
(rectenna).
Components

7. Operation

8. 1. Sunlight gets captured by the solar
panels.
2. Panels will remain in sunlight 24
hours a day, producing a constant
source of base-load power. This is
because there is no nighttime in
space.
Stage 1 – Solar Panel

9. 1. Even accounting for the transmission
losses, each satellite is able to deliver
a large quantity of power.
2. This energy can be safely transmitted
by microwaves.
Stage 2 – Energy Transmission

10. 1. Energy is received on the earth by
large, easy-to-assemble grids
called Rectenna.
2. The energy is, then, delivered to
the consumers.
3. It is assumed that more than 90%
of sunlight will pass through to
the rectenna.
Stage 3 – Energy Receiving and Distribution

11. S. No. Factors Space based solar
power systems
Earth based solar
power systems
1 Efficiency 8-10 times more Less
2 Effect of external
conditions
No effect High
3 Effect of Earth’s
movement
No effect Unable to capture
energy during night
4 Energy loss No loss Distorted energy
waves
Comparative Study

12. The various technical challenges of space-based solar power system are:
1. Low-cost reusable space access.
2. Efficient and light weight solar arrays.
3. Space assembly, maintenance and servicing.
Challenges

13. Advantages
• There is no air in space, so the collecting surfaces could receive much
more intense sunlight.
• Orbiting satellites can be exposed to a consistently high degree of solar
radiation, generally for 24 hours per day.
• Elimination of plant and wildlife interference.

14. Disadvantages
• Construction and maintenance on a solar panel in space could possibly
be done, only telerobotically.
• After being decommissioned, parts of it may stay in orbit as space
debris and can cause trouble.
• The large size and the cost of the receiving station on the ground.

15. Safety and Precautions
• Concentrating the microwaves at the specified location of the rectenna.
• Fencing zone can be made on the ground to protect the terrestrial
organisms.
• We can also locate the rectenna offshore.

16. • Japan, is currently the world leader of the Space Based Solar Power
Systems projects.
• These space based solar panels would be around 5-10 times more
efficient than ground-based solar conversion systems. CO2 emissions
will also be low.
• It’s predicted that it will process around 1 gigawatt of power, which is a
similar to the nuclear power stations.
Presently Working SBSP Projects

17. The Future Prospects
• In Japan Scientists from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
(JAXA) have planned a series of pilot projects.
• A few private companies have emerged all with the goal of developing
a viable business plan for SBSP.
• Space Energy, Inc., a pioneer in commercial SBSP, plans to a have a
test satellite in orbit in approximately 10 years.
• Another SBSP company, Solaren is planning to generate 200 megawatts
of electricity over 15 years beginning in 2016.

18. SBSP project of Japan