Large-Scale Space-Based Solar Power Station: Multi-Scale Modular Space Power

摘要

A space-based solar power station, a power generating satellite module and/or a method for collecting solar radiation and transmitting power generated using electrical current produced therefrom is provided. Each solar power station includes a plurality of satellite modules. The plurality of satellite modules each include a plurality of modular power generation tiles including a photovoltaic solar radiation collector, a power transmitter and associated control electronics. The power transmitters can be coordinated as a phased array and the power generated by the phased array is transmitted to one or more power receivers to achieve remote wireless power generation and delivery. Each satellite module may be formed of a compactable structure capable of reducing the payload area required to deliver the satellite module to an orbital formation within the space-based solar power station.

主权项

1. A space-based solar power station comprising:
a plurality of unconnected satellite modules disposed in space in an orbital array formation; a plurality of power generation tiles disposed on each of the plurality of satellite modules; at least one photovoltaic cell disposed on each of the power generation tiles; at least one power transmitter collocated with the at least one photovoltaic cell on each of the power generation tiles and in signal communication therewith such that an electrical current generated by the collection of solar radiation by the at least one photovoltaic cell powers the at least one power transmitter, where each of the at least one power transmitters comprises:
an antenna; andcontrol electronics that controls the phase of a radio frequency power signal that feeds the antenna so that the power transmitter is coordinated with power transmitters on other power generation tiles to form a phased array.