Solar Energy Collection & Transfer Satellite

The Solar Energy Collection and Transfer Satellite uses a system of EMBs (Electro-Mechanical Batteries, Figure 1) to store energy collected by solar panels located on the satellite. EMBs store energy through spinning a composite flywheel with an electric motor, which is incorporated into the battery. You can use the electricity by using the motor as a generator, slowing the flywheel down. The flywheel spins at speeds in excess of 60,000 RPM. The flywheels float (through the use of magnets) in a frictionless vacuum chamber, reducing almost all friction, and drag, enabling storage of energy years on end.

The Satellite (Figure 2) collects energy through the incorporated solar array. After storage, the energy can be transferred through the use of a microwave antenna, and converted back into electricity through a rectenna, located on Earth (Not Pictured.) The antenna is repositionable, as to allow energy transfer to multiple locations on Earth, from a single position in orbit.

The satellite incorporates a system of easy access doors (Figure 3) to allow the removal of worn batteries. The batteries are oriented on a circular plate that rotates allowing removal of all batteries in a series. The batteries are mounted with alternating clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations to negate gyroscopic effects. Ten series are mounted vertically in a column, and six columns are mounted in each individual satellite. A total of 360 Batteries are mounted in each satellite. The satellite shown would be a small scale example, full power satellites would contain over several thousand batteries. Each battery would hold approximately 25kWh.

The Satellite would be used as a means of clean energy storage and production. The satellite would provide energy on a constant basis, and at peak power consumption times, use the stored energy to meet power consumption demands. If there is a natural disaster, the satellite could be repositioned over the affected country, and supply energy that can't be produced due to damaged power stations. The satellite could also be used as a practical means to sell power services worldwide.

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Tags

Energy, Power, Solar, Spacecraft