Space and the Green Energy Options
- Paper number
IAC-08.C3.3.1
- Author
Dr. Dana Andrews, Andrews Space & Technology, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Brian Bloudek, Andrews Space & Technology, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The world is facing an energy crisis on two fronts. There are not enough fossil fuels to allow the developing countries to catch up to the developed countries and global warming is threatening to cut short the production of the fossil fuels we can access today. In this paper we examine the near term options available for green energy production including fermentation and cellulosic ethanol, thermo-chemical conversion methanol from waste, wind-power, and terrestrial and space solar power. The Space Solar Power concept used is the “power tower” variant based in Geo-synchronous orbit. Models of the world and US economies have been built that allow systematic investment of capital into various green energy options, tracking of the resultant profits, energy production, and carbon footprints, and plotting of the long term effects on the US and world economies. The principal issue for each option is the magnitude of investment and the payback period since literally trillions of dollars (Euros) are reinvested over the thirty year window assumed. Economic viability will play a critical role in determination of the optimal energy option. The current worldwide energy market is dominated by fossil fuels, making any alternative difficult to implement due to lack of existing infrastructure. Not only will the technical feasibility and cost of both green and space based power sources be investigated, but also the necessary technological learning curve and economic pressure. In addition, the widespread availability and energy independence potential for developing nations of the various options will be included. A wide variation of different energy production technologies was examined and several funding strategies were assumed. Initial model results indicate that the shortage of fossil fuels can be overcome within a reasonable time period and that space has a part to play in the recommended future energy architecture.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.C3.3.1.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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