Radiation energy conversion in space
Topics discussed at the third NASA conference on radiant energy conversion are reviewed. The unconcentrated-photovoltaic-generation version of a solar power satellite is described, noting that it will consist of a 21.3 x 5.3-sq-km silicon-solar-cell array expected to provide 17 Gw of electrical power, with 1 km in diam transmitters oriented to beam 2.45 GHz microwave power to two receiving/rectifying 'rectennas' on earth. The Solares space-energy-system concept, designed for providing a large fraction of the world's energy needs at costs comparable to those of future coal/nuclear alternative, is considered, as are subsystems for improving the economics of the solar power satellite. A concept proposing the use of relativistic-electron-storage rings for electron-beam energy transmission and storage, and a report on the production of a high temperature plasma with concentrated solar radiation are taken into account. Laser-conversion systems, including the direct-solar-pumped space laser, and the telec-powered spacecraft, are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- NASA, Ames Research Center, Materials and Physical Sciences Branch, Moffet Field, Calif.
- OSTI ID:
- 5779376
- Journal Information:
- Astronaut. Aeronaut.; (United States), Vol. 17
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ORBITAL SOLAR POWER PLANTS
MEETINGS
ECONOMICS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRONS
ENERGY STORAGE
GALLIUM ARSENIDES
INFRARED RADIATION
LASERS
MICROWAVE POWER TRANSMISSION
PLASMA
PLASMA HEATING
RECTENNAS
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR RADIATION
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
STORAGE RINGS
THERMIONICS
ANTENNAS
ARSENIC COMPOUNDS
ARSENIDES
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
ENERGY RANGE
EQUIPMENT
FERMIONS
GALLIUM COMPOUNDS
HEATING
LEPTONS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
PNICTIDES
POWER PLANTS
POWER SUPPLIES
POWER TRANSMISSION
RADIATIONS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
STELLAR RADIATION
STORAGE
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems