Space Power Systems – Transportation (and other Chemical) Fuels as an Alternative to Electricity Generation
- Paper number
IAC-07-C3.1.05
- Author
Mr. Robert Wegeng, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, United States
- Year
2007
- Abstract
While most studies on Space Power Systems target electricity generation as the energy product, industrialized nations are typically willing to pay somewhat more for transportation fuels (on a cost per unit energy basis). This paper therefore describes an alternative – perhaps easier – target for the application of Space Power Systems: The production of chemical fuels based on radiant energy beamed or reflected from orbiting platforms. The specifics of the approach that are described in this paper include the concentration of radiant energy within ground-based systems so that high temperature heat is provided for thermochemical process networks. Additional options that will be mentioned but not elaborated upon include the use of electrochemical and photochemical processes. As would be expected, production costs will be a function of capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, and the efficiency with which radiant energy is converted to chemical energy. In this paper, efficiency goals and capital cost targets are suggested that would enable solar-powered refineries to produce transportation fuels at reasonable production costs.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-C3.1.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.