Two-Layer Ring Truss-Based Space Solar Power Station

Abstract

A space solar power station (SSPS) has become a huge potential candidate to provide abundant and clean electrical energy for terrestrial users by collecting and converting solar power in space. In this paper, an innovative two-layer ring truss-based SSPS is proposed. It consists of the top layer concentrator-based spherical one-time reflection region, the bottom layer space radiator using symmetric or asymmetric cable networks, a ring truss for a supporting structure, a photoelectric conversion system, and transmitting antennas. The construction strategies including the triangular facets modularity of top layer concentrator, area requirement of bottom layer space radiator, two-segment optimization design of generatrix of photoelectric conversion system, and aperture derivation of transmitting antenna are carried out. Then, the performance analysis mainly including the modularization theory error calculation, energy collection and distribution, and thermal characteristics in orbit of this proposed SSPS is presented. Finally, the system parameters are estimated and summarized for a better sense of the proposed SSPS. The results indicate that 100% energy collection can be achieved for an ideal concentrator, and 80% with a modular division layer of 6 and tracking error of no more than 2°. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed SSPS concept and can provide a reference for future space energy harvesting and space exploration projects.