Space power using solar photovoltaic panels: costs and limitations
Solar photovoltaic panels (SPPs) have been suggested as a possible prime space power source for multi-kilowatt applications within a ballistic missile defense (BMD) system. As a first step in an attempt to assess the affordability of possible BMD space power sources, the limitations and costs of space power satellites using SSPs in conjunction with an electrochemical energy storage system have been investigated. Both high and low earth orbital missions are considered. An extensive literature search was conducted to determine values for the principal technology-driven performance and cost figures of merit. A small computer code was then developed to evaluate the total power cost, including launch, in dollars per watt of desired space power load. The unit costs obtained were found to be heavily influenced by the nature of the mission (altitude) and the attainable specific power for the two major system components.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 5905668
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/TM-9856; ON: DE86008953
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ORBITAL SOLAR POWER PLANTS
COST
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
ALGORITHMS
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
DESIGN
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
SOLAR CELL ARRAYS
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
MATHEMATICAL LOGIC
NATIONAL DEFENSE
POWER PLANTS
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems