Satellite composition solar power generation

What is a solar power satellite?

1968: Peter Glaser introduces the concept of a "solar power satellite" system with square miles of solar collectors in high geosynchronous orbit for collection and conversion of sun's energy into a microwave beam to transmit usable energy to large receiving antennas (rectennas) on Earth for distribution.

How much electricity does a satellite produce?

The baseline satellite concept produces about 10GW of electrical power on the Earth, using a large (10 km by 15 km) solar array located in geosynchronous orbit.

Why do satellites have solar panels?

Since a satellite revolves around the earth, its solar panels supply power periodically. That is, the sun and eclipse phases alternate, and each panel can generate power only during the sun phase.

How do solar panels and satellites work together?

Both are complementary to each other during two alternate phases. First, when a satellite faces the sun, photovolatics in solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy; the generated power is supplied to the satellite’s sub-systems, and then the remaining power is stored in battery cells.

How do orbiting satellites convert solar energy to electricity?

Orbiting satellites would collect solar energy and beam it to Earth where it would be converted to electricity (Figure 5.59). Several different methods are possible, including microwave, laser, and mirror transmission; however, the one that has received the most effort is the use of microwave beams or wireless power transmission.

What is a solar power satellite (SPS)?

SERT went about developing a solar power satellite (SPS) concept for a future gigawatt space power system, to provide electrical power by converting the Sun's energy and beaming it to Earth's surface, and provided a conceptual development path that would utilize current technologies.