Health and safety issues for microwave power transmission
- Full Spectrum Consulting, Concord, MA (United States)
In this paper, a historical review shows that the solar power satellite (SPS) was reviewed a number of times relative to potential microwave exposure hazards. In all cases, no `show-stopper` was found but often the shibboleth `more research is needed` was aired. It is shown that standards for safe exposure to microwaves are the most important asset in convincing an audience that microwave exposure associated with microwave power transmission (MPT) or SPS is safe. Standard-setting, world-wide, is shown to converge towards rational limits that are supportive of the MPT/SPS concepts. In recent times there has been the proposed substitute of `risk communication` (`prudent avoidance`). This is an unwise substitute for standards. Other aspects of microwave exposure standards are the new interface with interference (RFI) - hence the need for a rational division of responsibility between the radiators and the victim devices, like medical electronics - using both radiation limits and susceptibility limits. Beneficial applications of microwave exposure are being developed. Several studies are recommended which could put into perspective the likelihood of improbable events that represent `catastrophe` - e.g. the inadvertant focusing of a great amount of energy into inhabited areas. 1 ref., 2 figs.
- OSTI ID:
- 414954
- Journal Information:
- Solar Energy, Vol. 56, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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