Large Scale Solar Power Generation System for Solar Power Satellite

Paper number

IAC-08.C3.2.1

Author

Dr. Koji Tanaka, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Prof. Mengu Cho, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Mitsuru Imaizumi, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Prof. Susumu Sasaki, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Masahiro Mori, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. SSPS WG3 TEAM, Japan

Year

2008

Abstract

We have studied and investigated the Space Solar Power Satellite (SSPS) which converts solar energy into electricity in space, and transmit energy by wireless power transmission (WPT) from space to the ground. Most famous study was executed by the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) in the 1970’s, and SPS concepts and the design were proposed widely known as the SPS reference system. Also, recently, new concepts of the SSPS were proposed by JAXA and USEF, independently, in Japan.
A large scale and a high power generation system is one of considerable system that influences a design of the space segment of the SSPS. Requirements for a thermal control and a power distribution and management system are heavily dependant on the specifications of the power generation system.
We have been made a study and investigate the applicable technologies of the solar cell and a power generation system using solar cells for the SSPS. Especially, we focused on the thin film photovoltaic cell technology and a high concentration system for the solar cell. If the area of the power generation is same as the area of the power transmission antenna, the configuration of the space segment of the SSPS is simplified significantly. However, area of the solar arrays is bounded by the required power, the energy conversion efficiency and the thermal condition of the solar cell. Evaluation of the power generation system of the SSPS will be reported.
Also, in order to realize a high power system for the SSPS, the interaction between the high power generation system and space environments should be clarified. Debris impact against the space segment and ambient plasma surrounding the space segment possibly causes an electric discharge and a current leak. The degradation of the performance and the influence of space debris concerning the solar arrays were evaluated.

Abstract document

IAC-08.C3.2.1.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.C3.2.1.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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