The power relay satellite
- Arthur D. Little, Inc., Cambridge, MA (United States)
The availability and use of renewable energy sources compatible with reducing risks to the global environment are key to sustainable development. Large-scale, renewable energy resources at undeveloped or underutilized sites are potentially available on several continents. The Power Relay Satellite (PRS) concept has the potential to access these remote energy resources by coupling primary electricity generation from terrestrial transmission lines. A global PRS network can be envisioned to provide a high degree of flexibility for supplying energy demands worldwide with wireless power transmitted from sites on Earth to geosynchronous orbit and then reflected to receivers interfacing with terrestrial power transmision networks. Past developments in wireless power transmission (WPT) are reviewed and recent successful results are noted. The origins of the PRS concept, and a possible configuration are discussed, principles of WPT at microwave frequencies, functional requirements, and system design contraints are outlined, and space transportation concepts presented. PRS assessments including applicable technologies, economic projections, and societal issues are highlighted. It is concluded that the PRS provides a promising option to access renewable resources at great distances from major markets, and represents an important stage in the future development in the future of solar power satellites.
- OSTI ID:
- 85508
- Journal Information:
- Space Power, Vol. 13, Issue 1-2; Other Information: PBD: 1994
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Final proceedings of the solar power satellite program review
Role of pilot projects and public acceptance in developing wireless power transmission as an enabling technology for space solar power systems