Space Power Generation with a Tether Heat-Engine
- Paper number
IAC-07-C3.3.03
- Author
Dr. Claudio Bombardelli, Advanced Concepts Team, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Prof. Carlo Menon, Simon Fraser University, Canada
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The generation of power is vital for operating and maintaining structures in space. Earth orbit satellites, interplanetary probes and planetary surface scouts need in fact to scavenge energy from the environment for their long planned operations. The generation of electric power in space is of main interest also for research focused on in-orbit energy plants that could be used as energy sources for Earth or other planets use. When the distance from the Sun is not excessively high, power generation with photovoltaic solar array is usually the preferred option thanks to the relatively high power density with respect to other solutions. However, in spite of their good performance, the deployment of very large solar array surfaces in space is costly and technologically challenging as it generally involves multiple launches and complex unfolding and assembling maneuvers. Additionally the efficiency of solar arrays is reduced with operation temperature and is degraded over time due to exposure to UV radiation and thermal cycles. This paper presents a new concept for the generation of electric power in space which could represent a valid alternative solution to the use of solar panels for certain space applications. The concept is based on the conversion of solar energy into electric energy by using a spin-stabilized tethered spacecraft where the tether surface collects the solar radiation and produces mechanical work by cycles of thermal dilatation and contractions. The paper is organized in four main sections. The first section presents in detail the new concept and discusses possible uses of the proposed power generator in space applications. The second section investigates the theoretical performance of the system. The third section details a possible implementation of the proposed concept which considers the use of available technology. The performance of such an implementation is derived and discussed. The fourth section presents pros and cons of the novel concept previously discussed and a comparison with solar panel technology based on a series of performance metrics including specific power, expected lifetime, cost of assembly and deployment. Conclusions are drawn showing that the new concept could play an important role for a range of space power applications in the near future.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-C3.3.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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