New options for satellite power systems /SPS/

Abstract

The operation of a satellite power system (SPS) involves the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy with the aid of facilities carried by a geosynchronous satellite, the transmission of the obtained energy to earth in the form of microwave radio frequency energy, and the conversion of the energy received on earth into dc current for distribution into the network. Attention is given to questions concerning suitable microwave radiation density, details of space transportation for the construction of the SPS, and suitable approaches for the transformation of the solar energy into electric energy. It appears that a Rankine cycle using cesium as the main working fluid and a steam bottoming cycle might have advantages over a Brayton cycle concept considered earlier. In the area of solar photovoltaic concepts GaAlAs cells have advantages over silicon cells related to lighter weight, efficiency, and resistance to space radiation. The required amount of gallium seems to become available.