Space Solar Power Systems (SSPS) Lasers to Beam Space Solar. Laser Receiver for Space Solar. Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate refueling a vehicle with electrical energy by targeting receiver thereon and pointing a high-intensity laser source at the receiver.
Vertical multi-junction (VMJ) photocells receive the laser energy and convert the laser energy into electrical energy. The laser source can operate at a range of output power levels depending on the vehicle's energy needs. The laser source can be pulsed or continuous near-infrared laser source. A heat exchanger can be coupled to the receiver to dissipate laser energy not converted into electrical energy. Claims: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.
Description: [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. . [0003] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for receiving high-intensity laser light and converting it into electrical energy for refueling a vehicle or a space craft. [0016] FIG. 4 shows exemplary VMJ test results at various solar energy intensities. Solar Power Satellite. SOLAR POWER SATELLITE SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING MICROWAVE ENERGY TO THE EARTH AND METHOD OF ARRANGING A SOLAR POWER SATELLITE SYSTEM ABOUT THE SUN FOR SAME. Abstract: Solar power satellite system for transmitting microwave energy to the earth and a method of arranging the solar power satellite system about the sun for same.
The solar power satellite system comprises a space-based power generation unit disposed in a planetary orbit about the sun. A photovoltaic cell on the space-based power generation unit collects solar energy that is then converted to microwave energy to be beamed to the earth. A ground-based rectenna receives the microwave energy and converts the microwave energy to electricity that is transmitted to an end user. The solar power satellite system and method provides electrical power on earth day or night and regardless of atmospheric conditions. Claims: Space-based solar power. Space-based solar power (SBSP) is the concept of collecting solar power in space (using an "SPS", that is, a "solar-power satellite" or a "satellite power system") for use on Earth.
It has been in research since the early 1970s. SBSP would differ from current solar collection methods in that the means used to collect energy would reside on an orbiting satellite instead of on Earth's surface. Some projected benefits of such a system are a higher collection rate and a longer collection period due to the lack of a diffusing atmosphere and nighttime in space. Part of the solar energy is lost on its way through the atmosphere by the effects of reflection and absorption. Space-based solar power systems convert sunlight to microwaves outside the atmosphere, avoiding these losses, and the downtime (and cosine losses, for fixed flat-plate collectors) due to the Earth's rotation. A laser pilot beam guide the microwave power transmission to a rectenna. NASA Suntower concept. History[edit] SERT[edit]