A system and method of generating and distributing power includes one or more microwave power transmitters at locations on Earth adjacent natural fuel or power resources such as natural gas, oil, solid fuel, or geothermal energy. The fuel or energy source is converted into electricity on site, and the electricity is then converted into microwave power beams transmitted from the microwave power transmitter towards a redirector satellite in orbit about the Earth. The redirector satellite then sends one or more microwave beams to rectennas located in consumer nations at appropriate sites for feeding the power grid or to additional redirector satellites for directing to rectennas located on the far side of the Earth.

Power generating and distribution system and method

Safety issues in SPS wireless power transmission

Recent interest in applications of wireless power transmission has raised the question of the cost comparison of wireless vs wired transmission of power from ground site to ground site.

Ground Based Wireless and Wired Power Transmission Cost Comparison

A new space power concept incorporating earth-to-satellite microwave power beams coupled to onboard regenerative electrochemical energy storage is proposed for energizing defensive satellite constellations. The system addresses housekeeping, orbital maneuvering and burst mode power requirements, and offers an attractive alternative to the nuclear and solar space power systems currently envisioned for this application. This energy-conversion system incorporates six steps: (1) generate primary DC power at surface stations along the satellite ground-track, (2) convert to microwave (RF) frequencies, (3) transmit in a narrow beam to spacecraft using phased-array antennas which track and lock-on to satellite receivers as they pass in range during a fraction of their orbit, (4) receive the energy and convert to DC in space using lightweight and inexpensive rectennas; (5) store the energy onboard as chemical energy by electrolysis of water to oxygen and hydrogen and (6) recover free energy onboard the spacecraft during the balance of the orbit continuously or on demand as pulsed power with a high power-density fuel cell. Component and overall systems considerations of this scheme are discussed in comparison with alternatives, outstanding research problems are defined and preliminary analyses are described. These include orbital mechanics and ground tracks of satellites, accessibility of orbiters to microwave beams, transmission efficiencies, electronic and mechanical designs of the transmitter and rectenna, regenerative fuel cell energy storage, power conditioning and thermal management. The development of readily space-deployable rectennae, their supporting structures, and high specific power solid oxide monolithic fuels cells are the main pacing technologies leading to a wholly non-nuclear space power system capable of supporting all defensive satellite power requirements.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Earth-To-Satellite Microwave Beams: Innovative Approach To Space Power

An analysis is done to determine the maximum power transfer conditions for full-wave rectifier circuits. Potential applications noted are implanted medical instruments, inductive power transfer to weapons, power transfer using space reflectors, and power generation in space. Three types of series impedances are considered: resistive/inductive (RL), resistive/capacitive (RC), and resistive/inductive/capacitive (RLC). The optimum ratio of ac-to-dc voltage output is determined for each type. For the case that involves all three impedance types, the optimum turning condition is also determined. The differential equations describing the circuits are solved in nondimensional form. The solutions involve partial differential equations, closed-form relationships, and simultaneous equations that are solved by numerical methods. The optimum ratio of peak ac-to-dc voltage ranges from 2.0 to 2.8, depending upon the circuit. The optimum turning differs significantly from the usual resonant conditions, especially for low Q.

Maximum Power Transfer for Full-Wave Rectifier Circuits

Solar-cell arrays in arid zones plus microwave transmission to space and back can send power where needed. A three-stage development project is suggested which could be carried out within 20 years.

Power/energy: Reflector satellites for solar power: Solar-cell arrays in arid zones plus microwave transmission to space and back can send power where needed

T. F. Rogers

Papers

Power/energy: Reflector satellites for solar power: Solar-cell arrays in arid zones plus microwave transmission to space and back can send power where needed