Table 4*3 Comparison of Power Transmission Requirements A significant difference between the two concepts is the technology and approach used for power transmission. The Reference Study used 2.45 GHz klystron devices, each with a 70 kW output power capability, while the 1996 SolarDisc concept uses sohd state devices operating at 5.8 GHz, each with a 10W output power capability. Furthermore, the solid state devices are tightly packed in the transmitting array to allow electronic beam steering which provides improved ground site accessibility. This explains some of the reason for the large mass differences, but there are many others including how the transmitting array is coupled to the power collection system, pointing requirements, and device operating efficiencies. The higher production cost per Watt for the SolarDisc power transmission manufacturing is due to the assumption that the design complexity of the solid state device will add production costs versus the klystron power amplifier. SSP scenarios would have a major market impact on either power transmitting device, klystrons or sohd state. The only power transmission device considered which is currently mass produced is the magnetron, used mostly in microwave ovens. Although there are certain advantages to using magnetrons, the most significant of which is a low manufacturing cost, the ability to operate at higher transmission frequencies (5.8 GHz versus 2.45 GHz) is a major factor in selecting a solid state power transmitting device. 4.4.4. Recommendations An important activity for future SSP manufacturing assessments is an in-depth check of the resulting production cost and manufacturing investment requirements focusing on the specific items to be manufactured. Past SSP studies have derived the required manufacturing investment based on specific attributes of the production facility. Because the selected approach backs into the manufacturing investment cost and does not address hardware-specific production process issues, there is a possibility of underestimating facility costs. Manufacturing experts for key SSP hardware items should review the resulting manufacturing investment costs and production levels to determine if the allocated costs appear feasible. Another important future activity would be in the area of system demonstrations. All aspects of an SSP scenario - including system manufacture, launch, emplacement, and operation -should be tested on a significantly reduced scale to improve confidence in system/subsystem and technology selections, manufacturability, and production unit cost estimates. It is important to define and conduct these types of technology demonstrations as early as possible to firm up technical and cost parametrics used for assessments of SSP manufacturing requirements and potential economic viability.
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