SREE VENKATESWARA

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Presented by
Space Based
Ch.Hemanth Kumar
Solar Power 15JN1A0424
IV B.TECH, E.C.E- A
 CONTENTS
 INTRODUCTION
HISTORY OF SPACE BASED SOLAR POWER
BLOCK DIAGRAM
COMPONENTS
OPERATION
COMPARATIVE STUDY
CHALLENGES
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
PRESENTLY WORKING SBSP PROJECTS
 Introduction

Solar energy is the energy generated due to the thermonuclear

fusion reactions occurring in the sun.

Space-based solar power (SBSP) is the concept of collecting

solar power in space, using an "SPS", that is,
a "solar-power satellite" or a "satellite power system" for use
on earth.

SBSP would differ from current solar collection methods in

that the means used to collect energy would reside on an
orbiting satellite instead of on Earth's surface.
 History of Space Based Solar Power

•SBSP was first described in November 1968.

•Dr Peter Glaser discovered the method of transmitting power over long
distances in 1973 (e.g., from an SPS to the Earth's surface) using
microwaves

•In 1997, NASA conducted its fresh look study to examine the modern
state of SBSP feasibility.

•On November 2, 2012; China proposed space collaboration with India

in SBSP.
Block Diagram

Solar array

Microwave circuits

Spacetenna

Rectenna

DC-RF conversion
 Components

Space-based solar power system essentially consists of three elements:

1. A means of collecting solar power in space, for example solar

concentrators or solar cells.

2. A medium of transmitting power to earth, for example microwaves.

3. A means for receiving power on earth, for example an antenna

(rectenna).
Operation
 Stage 1 – Solar Panel

1. Sunlight gets captured by the solar

panels.

2. Panels will remain in sunlight 24

hours a day, producing a constant
source of solar power. This is
because there is no night time in
space.
 Stage 2 – Energy Transmission
1. Even accounting for the transmission
losses, each satellite is able to deliver
a large quantity of power.

2. This energy can be safely transmitted

by microwaves.
 Stage 3 – Energy Receiving and Distribution

1. Energy is received on the earth by

large, easy-to-assemble grids
called Rectenna.

2. The energy is, then, delivered to

the consumers.

3. It is assumed that more than 90%

of sunlight will pass through to
the rectenna.
 Comparative Study

S. No. Factors Space based solar Earth based solar

power systems power systems
1 Efficiency 8-10 times more Less

2 Effect of external No effect High

conditions
3 Effect of Earth’s No effect Unable to capture
movement energy during night

4 Energy loss No loss Distorted energy

waves
 Challenges

The various technical challenges of space-based solar power system are:

1. Low-cost reusable space access.

2. Efficient and light weight solar arrays.

3. Space assembly, maintenance and servicing.

 Advantages

•There is no air in space, so the collecting surfaces could receive much

more intense sunlight.

•Orbiting satellites can be exposed to a consistently high degree of solar

radiation, generally for 24 hours per day.

• Elimination of plant and wildlife interference.

 Disadvantages

• Construction and maintenance on a solar panel in space could possibly

be done, only telerobotically.

• After being decommissioned, parts of it may stay in orbit as space

debris and can cause trouble.

• The large size and the cost of the receiving station on the ground.
 Safety and Precautions

•Concentrating the microwaves at the specified location of the rectenna.

•Fencing zone can be made on the ground to protect the terrestrial

organisms.

• We can also locate the rectenna offshore.

 Presently Working SBSP Projects

•Japan, is currently the world leader of the Space Based Solar Power
Systems projects.

•These space based solar panels would be around 5-10 times more
efficient than ground-based solar conversion systems. CO2 emissions
will also be low.

•It’s predicted that it will process around 1 gigawatt of power, which is a

similar to the nuclear power stations.
SBSP project of Japan
ANY QUERIES ?