Solar Wigwam Concept: Elliptic paraboloid of aluminum structural members supports a thin-film array of solar cells. Structural design minimizes need for active subsystems on-board. Key Features: Telerobotic construction in GEO PV on Wigwam-shaped frame Ground segment 3.5 sq. km. 20 MW of thermal energy also recoverable per site Suggestor/Source: S. Deal, SAIC Discussion Titis is a “total energy” concept, with the ground receiver station designed to convert the microwave beam to electricity, and waste energy captured by heating a pond of water located underneath the receiver array. An ideal user of such a system might be an off-grid industrial site that can use both electric and thermal energy. Assembly of massive structure would be accomplished by telerobotic operations, made feasible by simple docking together of sections delivered in separate launches. Advantages Disadvantages Simple gravity gradient stabilization Inefficient use of solar cells due to lack of on-board pointing Massive structural configuration
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