SPS-ALPHA is Practical, Efficient and Environmentally Conscious
Meghan Young — April 13, 2012 — Eco
SPS-ALPHA (short for Solar Power Satellite via Arbitrarily Large PHased Array) is being touted as the first practical solar power satellite to be designed. Presented at the 2012 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts, SPS-ALPHA is a space-based energy factory that harnesses the sun's power more effectively than earthbound solar power systems.
Getting solar panels into space is very tricky due to initial costs and later delivery of the energy generated. SPS-ALPHA solves these problems by way of a bio-inspired, modular design. SPS-ALPHA's floral shape is made up of small individually controlled mirrors that direct sunlight to a disc at the bottom of the satellite. On one side, the disc is covered with photovoltaic panels while the other side is pointing towards Earth covered in microwave transmitters that send power via low-intensity microwave beams to the ground.
Getting solar panels into space is very tricky due to initial costs and later delivery of the energy generated. SPS-ALPHA solves these problems by way of a bio-inspired, modular design. SPS-ALPHA's floral shape is made up of small individually controlled mirrors that direct sunlight to a disc at the bottom of the satellite. On one side, the disc is covered with photovoltaic panels while the other side is pointing towards Earth covered in microwave transmitters that send power via low-intensity microwave beams to the ground.
Trend Themes
1. Modular Solar Power - The use of small individually controlled mirrors and modular designs presents opportunities for more efficient and practical solar power systems.
2. Space-based Energy Generation - Advancements in space-based solar power satellites have the potential to revolutionize the way we harness solar energy.
3. Microwave Power Transmission - Incorporating microwave transmitters for power transmission opens up possibilities for wireless energy transfer on a large scale.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can explore the use of modular solar power systems to improve efficiency and practicality of solar power generation.
2. Space Exploration - The space exploration industry can benefit from advancements in space-based energy generation technologies for sustainable and efficient power sources in space missions.
3. Wireless Power Transmission - The wireless power transmission industry can leverage the use of microwave transmitters for large-scale energy transfer, introducing new opportunities for wireless charging and distribution systems.
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