Summary
In 1941, two astronauts began the seemingly impossible feat of training a robot to operate a solar energy station in space, one capable of beaming power across the Solar System.
ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT
Of course, this was purely fiction the dystopian plot of sci-fi writer Isaac Asimovs shor…
Source: Euronews.com
AI News Q&A (Free Content)
Q1: What is the concept of space-based solar power (SBSP) and how does it differ from traditional solar power collection on Earth?
A1: Space-based solar power (SBSP) involves collecting solar energy in outer space using solar power satellites and transmitting it to Earth. Unlike traditional solar collection, SBSP isn't affected by atmospheric absorption or night-time, allowing for continuous energy collection. This energy is converted into microwaves or laser beams, transmitted through the atmosphere to Earth's receivers, offering a potentially constant power supply.
Q2: What are the recent advancements in SBSP technology by major countries around the world?
A2: Countries like Japan, China, the USA, and the European Space Agency are actively pursuing SBSP. Japan has set national goals, China is expected to build a significant SBSP station by 2035, and the USA has tested solar power generation in satellites. The California Institute of Technology aims to launch a test array by 2023, backed by significant private funding, demonstrating power beaming to Earth.
Q3: What technological and economic challenges does SBSP face?
A3: SBSP faces challenges such as high space launch costs, technological hurdles in wireless power transmission, and the need for large receiving antennas on Earth. Efforts to reduce costs include space manufacturing and new launch technologies. Although beam energy densities are safe, the large land requirement for receiving antennas and long-term durability of space-based collectors remain concerns.
Q4: What are the potential environmental benefits of using upgraded metallurgical grade silicon (UMG-Si) for solar PV applications?
A4: UMG-Si offers environmental benefits by performing well in mass production tests with a 20.76% efficiency in solar cells, comparable to polysilicon. A Life Cycle Assessment indicates that UMG-Si has a similar environmental impact to state-of-the-art polysilicon, suggesting it can be a viable, sustainable raw material for photovoltaic applications.
Q5: How does the degradation of UMG-Si solar modules compare to those made from polysilicon in outdoor conditions?
A5: After 24 months of outdoor photovoltaic generation, the degradation in terms of Performance Ratio at 25°C was the same for modules made from 100% UMG-Si and those from polysilicon. This indicates that UMG-Si solar modules have comparable durability and performance to traditional polysilicon modules.
Q6: What role do solar energetic particles (SEPs) play in the inner heliosphere, according to recent studies?
A6: Recent studies reveal that SEPs, accelerated near the Sun, contribute to a highly variable background of energetic ions and electrons in the heliosphere. These particles provide insights into acceleration and transport mechanisms, influenced by solar disturbances and shocks, enriching our understanding of solar dynamics and particle behavior in space.
Q7: What advancements have been made in detecting solar flare neutrinos, and why are they important?
A7: Advancements include developing methods to determine the temporal search window for neutrino production during solar flares, crucial for separating them from atmospheric neutrinos. Solar flare neutrinos can unlock information about particle acceleration mechanisms within solar flares, enhancing our understanding of solar physics.
References:
- Space-based solar power
- SEP environment in the inner heliosphere from Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe
- UMG silicon for solar PV: from defects detection to PV module degradation
