NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Design considerations for solar power satellitesThis report summarizes the performance characteristics of a conceptual solar power satellite (SPS) system with emphasis on the microwave power transmission system. The latest tradeoff studies on photovoltaic and thermal systems for converting solar energy into electricity at the satellite are reviewed. The microwave system, consisting of dc-RF amplifiers, a 1-km phased array, and a ground antenna/rectifier scheme is capable of delivering 5 GW of power to the commercial grid. The transmission efficiencies of smaller system sizes (down to 1 GW) are compared with that of the nominal 5 GW system. At present the frequency region of interest is the IMS (industrial, medical, and scientific) band at 2450 plus or minus 50 MHz. Economic and technical tradeoffs as a function of the microwave operating frequency are considered. Candidate dc-RF power converter tubes, including medium-power amplitrons, high-power klystrons, and low-power solid state amplifiers, are examined.
Document ID
19790032725
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Arndt, G. D.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Leopold, L.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1978
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Meeting Information
Meeting: Energy ''78; Annual Conference
Location: Tulsa, OK
Start Date: April 16, 1978
End Date: April 18, 1978
Accession Number
79A16738
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available