Abstract
Microwave power transmission (MPT) involves the usage of microwaves to
transmit power through outer space or the atmosphere without the need for
wires. It is a sub-type of the more general wireless energy transfer methods,
and is the most interesting because microwave devices offer the highest
efficiency of conversion between DC-electricity and microwave radiative power.
Following World War II, which saw the development of high-power microwave
emitters known as cavity magnetrons, the idea of using microwaves to transmit
power was researched. In 1964, William C. Brown demonstrated a miniature
helicopter equipped with a combination antenna and rectifier device called a
rectenna. The rectenna converted microwave power into electricity, allowing
the helicopter to fly. In principle, the rectenna is capable of very high
conversion efficiencies - over 90% in optimal circumstances.
Most proposed MPT systems now usually include a phased array microwave
transmitter. While these have lower efficiency levels they have the advantage
of being electrically steered using no moving parts, and are easier to scale
to the necessary levels that a practical MPT system requires.
Aruvians Rsearch presents a complete analysis of the myriad uses of Microwave
Power Transmission, and one of its biggest application - Solar Power Satellite
Systems. In its report, Analyzing Microwave Power Transmission & Solar Power
Satellite Systems, Aruvians Rsearch puts forth an analytical view of wireless
transmission systems, the basics of microwave power transmission systems, its
uses, benefits, challenges facing the technology, global activities going on
in the field of MPT, and its applications.
One of the biggest applications of microwave power transmission at the moment
is its utility in solar power satellite systems, or SPS. The report takes an
in-depth view on the basics of the system, how microwave power transmission is
used in SPS, the challenges facing SPS, environmental and health impact of the
SPS and much more. The report further also analyzes the Space Solar Power
System (SSPS), delving into the vast amount of research conducted on this
topic by NASA.
The leading industry contributors to the field of microwave power transmission
is also looked at in the report.
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
