Steps towards energy transition have favored the exploitation of new sources of renewable energy. Investments attributed to “green” solutions have also exploded in recent years. Although it is one of the most popular renewable sources, solar has its imperfections. He is often criticized for being intermittent, because it only produces energy during the day and passages of clouds are enough to reduce its production. Scientists then try to remedy these constraints by choosing the ideal place where these problems will be overcome: in the space. The challenge will be taken up by a team from the University of California (Caltech) which has just launched a prototype of solar panel in space. Dubbed the Space Solar Power Demonstrator (SSPD), the device will test key elements of space solar energy.
A prototype placed in orbit
The SSPD prototype took off on January 3. Weighing around fifty kilos, he was transported aboard a SpaceX rocket to be placed in orbit. Once at destination, the device will be responsible for testing several elements with the aim of being able to harvest solar energy and send it back to Earth in the form of waves. In order to carry out its mission, the SSPD is equipped with three main modules. The first module is the DOLCE or “Deployable on-Orbit ultraLight Composite Experiment”. Measuring one square meter, it will test the deployment mechanisms of solar panels. The second module is the ALBA. This instrument contains 32 photovoltaic cells which will each be tested in order to assess their behavior in space. According to the Caltech team, this structure could take up to six months to provide information regarding the different photovoltaic technologies analyzed. The third instrument is called MAPPLE and it will test the systems for transferring the energy harvested to Earth.
Objective: to create a space solar power plant
After the SSPD demonstration, the Caltech team plans to install a real solar power plant in space. This plant will be made up of a constellation of solar panels spatial. With a large-scale deployment, the system will transmit energy to Earth in the form of radio waves. The transmission will therefore be wireless. The energy harvested will be converted into electrical form once on our soil. The power plant will produce continuously over 24 hours, the intermittency problems being solved.
A power station hovering miles above us… the project suggests the scale of the investment that has gone into it and raises questions about its profitability. It should be remembered that there are already other solutions solving the solar energy intermittences land, especially storage systems. Moreover, the State of California is one of the leading powers in terms of large storage scale. Either way, the Caltech team sees huge potential: “Whatever happens, this prototype is a major step forward” says the co-director of the project. More information : caltech.edu