Solar power from the space can be developed into a sustainable and clean source of energy around the Earth, on the Moon or anywhere else where man would probably go.
Our satellites and space stations that are in orbit around the planet Earth are already energized by solar power. The trick comprises of harvesting the solar energy on orbit and converting it into a form of energy that can be safely broadcasted to Earth while at the same time ensuring that it is done economically.
The Concept of Solar Power Satellite (SPS)
The concept of the Solar Power Satellite (SPS) would actually place the solar power into an orbit above the Earth, thereby converting the sunlight into electricity and beaming the power to the ground-based receiving stations. These ground-based stations would be connected to current standard electrical power lines that run our houses, offices and factories all around the world.
What is the use of putting solar power plants in the space? Without the decrease that is the result of passing through the atmosphere, sunlight in Earth orbit is approximately 25 percent more powerful than that on the ground. Furthermore, unlike on Earth, the sun shines practically 24 hours per day and 7 days per week in the space. Moreover, unlike the solar power obtained on the ground, the spaced-based solar power satellites would be invulnerable to the various changes that occur due to the different seasons. As a consequence, more generating capacity and energy storage will not be needed to ensure continuous solar energy in order to meet the requirements of the society. All said, many of the difficulties that have restrained the complete use of ground based solar energy concepts do not have an impact on space based solar energy.
The solar power satellites would be put in so-called “geostationary” or “Earth synchronous” orbit. This relates to a 24-hour orbit which is hence coordinated with the Earth’s rotation, so that the satellites stay stationary in the space when seen from a point on Earth. Similarly, nowadays’ communication satellites are placed into geostationary orbit, and every TV satellite dish that is on the ground is directed towards a satellite that is “stationary” in orbit. The receiver is known as a “rectifying antenna” or “rectenna” (pronounce “rektenna”).
The geostationary orbit is very high; 36,000 kilometers (22,500 miles) above Earth’s surface. It is found far above the reach of the Space Shuttle. The latter has a maximum range of around 1000 kilometers (600 miles) above the surface of Earth.
There exist many advantages of using the solar power. Many cities around the world have invested in solar energy as a substitute to oil, coal and nuclear sources because of the following reasons:
* Solar Energy is a resource that is infinite and renewable.
* Solar Power does not emit any gases, including the greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide).
* Solar Power is a resource without any cost after the capital cost of installation (exclusive of the cost of maintenance).
* The maintenance required is rather low.
* Its utmost power output matches very well with the peak power demand.
* Energy that is produced with solar power prevents considerable water usage that is associated with nuclear, coal and combined cycle sources.
Source: Space Canada
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.