Cost minimization strategy for satellite solar power station

Abstract

The space-based solar power system for the baseload power supply on the ground is more than science fiction now, and it will be practical in the coming future. Due to its high estimated space launching cost, it was suspended in earlier attempts. With Technological advancements and research going on worldwide, its practical implementation could be possible by 2030. This work is motivated in a direction to reduce total system cost. The economic model of the system has interrelated parameters which can be optimized for the high efficiency and cost-effective performance. In this work, a cost minimization method is derived, and results are investigated for economically efficient space-based solar power prototype design. The Derived generalized mathematical Expressions are appropriate to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and performance of the microwavebased wireless power transfer system. The effect of transmitting antenna size is investigated for the desired power density on the receiving ground antenna. The Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) is also calculated for the space-based solar system; it can be easily yielded from the generalized cost expression. © International Journal Of Renewable Energy Research, 2018.