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Space reflector technology and its system implicationsThe technical feasibility of providing nearly continuous solar energy to a world-distributed set of conversion sites by means of a system of orbiting, large-area, low-areal-density reflecting structures is examined. Requisite mirror area to provide a chosen, year-averaged site intensity is shown. A modeled reflector structure, with suitable planarity and ability to meet operational torques and loads, is discussed. Typical spatial and temporal insolation profiles are presented. These determine the sizing of components and the output electric power from a baselined photovoltaic conversion system. Technical and economic challenges which, if met, would allow the system to provide a large fraction of future world energy needs at costs competitive to circa-1995 fossil and nuclear sources are discussed.
Document ID
19790041839
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Billman, K. W. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Gilbreath, W. P. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Bowen, S. W. (Beam Engineering, Inc. Sunnyvale, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1979
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 79-0545
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Annual Meeting and Technical Display
Location: Washington, DC
Start Date: February 6, 1979
End Date: February 8, 1979
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics, Astronautics
Accession Number
79A25852
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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