Analyzing Microwave Power Transmission & Solar Power Satellite Systems

Table of Contents

A. Executive Summary

B. Understanding the Transmission Medium

C. Analyzing Wireless Energy Transfer/Wireless Power Transmission

• C.1 Overview
• C.2 Modern Day Usage of Wireless Power Transmission
• C.3 Determining the Power & Size Levels
• C.4 Efficiency of Wireless Power Transmission Systems
• C.5 Near Field Wireless Transmission Techniques
  • C.5.1 Induction
  • C.5.2 Resonant Induction
• C.6 Far Field Wireless Transmission Techniques
  • C.6.1 Radio & Microwave
  • C.6.2 Laser
  • C.6.3 Electrical Conduction

D. Introduction to Microwave Power Transmission

• D.1 History of Microwave Power Transmission
• D.2 Overview of Microwave Power Transmission
• D.3 Safety Concerns
• D.4 Basic Idea behind MPT
• D.5 Uses of MPT
• D.6 Applications of MPT
• D.7 Current Technology
• D.8 Upcoming Technology

E. Looking at Global MPT Activities

• E.1 Microwave Power Transmission in Canada
• E.2 Microwave Power Transmission in Europe
• E.3 Microwave Power Transmission in the US

F. Analyzing the Solar Power Satellite (SPS)

• F.1 Introduction
• F.2 History of SPS
• F.3 Understanding the SPS Concept
• F.4 Advantages of SPS
• F.5 Challenges
  • F.5.1 High Costs
  • F.5.2 Usage of Terrestrial Materials
  • F.5.3 Concept of a Space Elevator
  • F.5.4 Safety Issues
• F.6 Critics of SPS
• F.7 Economical Analysis of SPS
  • F.7.1 Benefits of SPS in Present-Day Energy Scenario
  • F.7.2 Comparing SPS with Fossil Fuels
  • F.7.3 Comparing SPS with Nuclear Fission
  • F.7.4 Comparing SPS with Nuclear Fusion
  • F.7.5 Comparing SPS with Global Solar Power
  • F.7.6 Feasibility of Mass Production of Solar Panels
• F.8 Comparing SPS with Biofuels
• F.9 Comparing SPS with Wind Power

G. Analyzing the Design of SPS

• G.1 Introduction
• G.2 Conversion of Solar Energy
• G.3 Comparing Photovoltaics, Concentrating Photovoltaic Systems, & Solar Dynamic
• G.4 Lifetime Cycle Analysis
• G.5 System Energy Benefits
• G.6 Looking at Wireless Power Transmission from Earth
• G.7 Determining the Spacecraft Size
• G.8 Earth-based Antenna - Critical Part of the SPS Concept

H. Current Status of SPS

I. Microwave Power Transmission on SPS

• I.1 SPS Factors to be Considered
• I.2 Looking at Microwave Generators
  • I.2.1 Power Generation Devices & Circuits
  • I.2.2 Comparing Microwave Transmitting Routes
    • I.2.2.1 Microwave Vacuum Tubes
      • I.2.2.1.1 Phase-Controlled Magnetron
      • I.2.2.1.2 Traveling Wave Tube
      • I.2.2.1.3 Klystron
      • I.2.2.1.4 Microwave Power Module
    • I.2.2.2 Semiconductor Microwave Transmitters
    • I.2.2.3 Futuristic, More Efficient Microwave Transmitters
  • I.2.3 Microwave Antennas
  • I.2.4 Beam Control & Ongoing Research
    • I.2.4.1 Reducing Interference
    • I.2.4.2 Steering Losses
• I.3 Looking at Rectenna & Ground Segments
  • I.3.1 Rectenna
  • I.3.2 Elements of the Antenna
  • I.3.3 A Look at the Rectifier Circuit
  • I.3.4 Overall Microwave Reception
  • I.3.5 Trends in Rectenna Research
  • I.3.6 Commercialization of Rectennas
  • I.3.7 Technology for Establishing a Ground Network

J. Effects of the SPS

• J.1 Environmental Impact of the SPS Microwave Beam
• J.2 Impact of SPS on Earth
• J.3 Impact on Communication
• J.4 Effect of MPT on Human Health

K. Technical Issues with SPS

L. SPS Radio Technologies

• L.1 Microwave Power Transmission
• L.2 Microwave Power Devices
• L.3 Rectennas
• L.4 Calibration & Control

M. Analyzing the Different Solar Power Satellite Models

• M.1 ‘Abacus' Satellite Configuration
• M.2 JAXA Models
• M.3 Glaser SPS Concept
• M.4 SPS2000
• M.5 ‘SolarDisc' Space Solar Power Concept

N. Analyzing the Space Solar Power System & MPT

• N.1 Introduction
• N.2 Analysis of the System
  • N.2.1 Analyzing the Microwave Power Transmission Subsystem
  • N.2.2 Analyzing the Beam Forming and Control Subsystem
  • N.2.3 Analyzing the Microwave Receiving & Power Rectifying Subsystem
• N.3 Analysis of the Major Subsystem Accomplishments
  • N.3.1 Accomplishments of the Microwave Power Transmission Subsystem
  • N.3.2 Accomplishments of the Beam Forming and Control Subsystem
  • N.3.3 Accomplishments of the Microwave Receiving & Power Rectifying Subsystem

O. Space Solar Power Activities of NASA

• O.1 Introduction
• O.2 Defining Space Solar Power
• O.3 Importance of Space Solar Power
• O.4 Analyzing Recent SSP Findings
• O.5 Analyzing SPS & SSP Activities in the United States - A Historical Look
• O.6 NASA' s ‘Fresh Look' Study
  • O.6.1 Analyzing the SunTower SPS System
  • O.6.2 Analyzing the Solar Disc SPS System
  • O.6.3 Conclusion
• O.7 Analyzing the SSP Concept Definition Study by NASA
• O.8 Analyzing the SSP Exploratory Research & Technology (SERT) Program
  • O.8.1 The Abacus Concept
  • O.8.2 The Integrated Symmetrical Concentrator Concept
  • O.8.3 Conclusion of SERT in 2000
• O.9 Role of the National Research Council
• O.10 Current NASA R&D in SSP

P. Space Solar Power Activities in Japan

• P.1 Analyzing the JAXA Models
  • P.1.1 Challenges with the 2001 Model
  • P.1.2 Challenges with the 2002 Model
  • P.1.3 Looking at the 2003 Model

Q. Case Studies

• Q.1 Microwave Power Transmission in China
• Q.2 Microwave Power Transmission in Indonesia

R. Leading Industry Contributors

• R.1 Anaren Inc
• R.2 Conolog Corporation
• R.3 CPI International Inc
• R.4 Emrise Corporation
• R.5 Kevlin Corporation
• R.6 L-3 Electron Technologies Inc
• R.7 MEGA Industries LLC
• R.8 Micronetics, Inc
• R.9 Microwave Engineering Corporation
• R.10 Microwave Power Devices, Inc
• R.11 Microwave Research Corporation
• R.12 Microwave Transmission Systems, Inc
• R.13 Norsat International Inc
• R.14 Phase Matrix, Inc
• R.15 RPG Transmission Limited
• R.16 Satellite Communication Systems (SCS)
• R.17 Tyco Electronics

S. Future Perspective: Microwave Power Transmission

T. Appendix

U. Glossary of Terms