IT House April 10 news, according to ScitechDaily, solar power generation continues to become cheaper and more efficient, but there are still some basic limitations: solar panels can only generate electricity during the day, and most of the sunlight is absorbed by the atmosphere when it is illuminated downwards. Therefore, ESA is studying the credibility of collecting solar energy in orbit, where sunlight is 11 times stronger than sunlight in Europe, and then transmitting it to the ground for use.
As part of this research, a new project looks at the design of solar satellites, which will become the largest space structure ever built. Fraser-Nash Consulting will study the modular structure of solar power satellites in order to effectively break them down at the end of their useful life for reuse or recycling.
▲ Space-based solar infographic
ESA is seeking comments on solar satellite technologies and concepts that are designed to achieve this goal:
Incident solar radiation
In orbit, the intensity of sunlight is much higher than that of the Earth's surface.
Sunlight capture and energy regulation
Sunlight is converted into electricity, which is then prepared to travel at radio frequencies to the surface of the Earth, the Moon, or other planets.
Power transmission
Use phased arrays, laser emitters, or other wireless technologies to send energy to Earth. Energy beams must be accurate, reliable, and should retain as much of their energy as possible as they travel through the Earth's atmosphere.
Beam capture and energy conversion
Energy beams are captured with photovoltaic cells or antennas that convert electromagnetic energy into electrical energy. Satellites can transmit energy to a single ground station, or to several locations around a planetary object.
Systems that collect space-based solar energy on Earth must be safely and sustainably integrated into existing power grids. Electricity distribution is also crucial in scientific, exploratory, and colonial missions.
Energy use
In addition to having the potential to help Europe achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, space-based solar technologies could provide the flexibility and reliability needed for other scientific and exploration missions with limited power sources, such as lunar night-time roaming missions.