Laser Spiral Concept: GEO-based laser transmission to ground site equipped to recover both electric and thermal energy from beam. Collector array of thin-film solar cells is threaded on a set of helical guide-rods, resulting in a satellite with no need for active pointing towards the sun. Key Features: PV on spiral array YbYAG laser with Cassegrain optics Possible pond based collector to recover waste heat as useful thermal energy Ground receiver 0.09 km1 5 year lifetime of laser and inflatable reflector system Beam switching to avoid atmospheric attenuation problems Suggestor/Source: S. Deal, SAIC Discussion Tliis GEO station is appropriate for oflf-grid applications such as irrigation pumping. Although designed to deliver electricity, the 19% efficiency of the PV ground receiver leaves approximately 430 kW of thermal energy, which might be captured in a vapor cycle system; the ground array would be collocated with a water reservoir. Advantages Disadvantages Small receiver sites Veiy weather-dependent for a given site Short lifetime of key in-space subsystems Heavy, with relatively low delivered power (100 kW) Long power path through entire array band Environmental risk high because of laser transmission
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==