Publication Date:
2019-07-13
Description:
The 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.
Keywords:
ENERGY PRODUCTION AND CONVERSION
Type:
AIAA PAPER 79-0545
,
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Annual Meeting and Technical Display; Feb 06, 1979 - Feb 08, 1979; Washington, DC
Format:
text
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