Enhancing terrestrial solar power using orbiting solar reflectors

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Enhancing terrestrial solar power using orbiting solar reflectors

Çelik, Onur / Viale, Andrea / Oderinwale, Temitayo / Sulbhewar, Litesh / McInnes, Colin R.

Abstract The delivery of global clean energy services represents a key challenge for the 21st century. In order to deliver such services, it is clear that large-scale solar power farms will continue to grow both in number and size. In principle, ultralight membrane orbiting solar reflectors can illuminate large-scale solar power farms during the critical dawn/dusk hours of the day, enhancing the utility of terrestrial solar power. The key advantage is that only a relatively modest mass needs to be delivered to Earth orbit. This paper discusses the technical challenges associated with the development, deployment and operation of such a space-based energy service. Business development models are discussed along with regulatory issues and finally an integrated technology demonstration roadmap is presented.

Highlights • Orbiting solar reflectors offer a timely opportunity to enhance terrestrial solar energy output. • Repeat ground track Sun-synchronous orbits are proposed for daily global access to solar power farms. • A double-boom configuration is proposed with CMGs attached, the booms null gravity gradient torques by equalizing inertias. • A hexagonal reflector configuration fabricated from triangular units is proposed for standardization and modularity. • National, commercial and hybrid models are proposed; economic analysis suggests feasibility with falling launch costs.