Date: June 17, 2008 (Tue.) 1300 - 14:30PM
Venue: E207, 2nd floor of East Building, CSEAS
Title: Simulating the Solar Power Satellite (SPS) 2000 System operation: From field surveys in countries around the equator
Presentation:
Patric Collins (Azabu University)
At the 1991 SPS research conference, a proposal by Japanese researchers was recognized as having the greatest potential for realization of an operational demonstration of the “SPS2000” solar power satellite. The proposal entailed launching a solar power satellite into low earth orbit above the equator which would provide power to countries and regions along the equator. The power generation panels have been improved, and furthermore, because the rectennas (receiver antennae) would be wires or mesh construction, land where they were installed could be used for agriculture or other uses. Aside from the publication of many research articles regarding SPS2000 in 12 countries, the project’s originators, Prof. Matsuoka and Prof. Collins, have visited many of the equatorial countries where they have repeatedly consulted with researchers and government representatives regarding the implementation of SPS. The countries visited include: Tanzania, Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Indonesia, Ecuador, the Maldives, Malaysia, Columbia, Nauru, Kiribas, Gabon, and Sao Tome and Principe. As a result, representatives from each of these countries have expressed interest in the project and numerous sites for rectenna installation have been considered.
There are 3 recent developments which should be highlighted.
1. From a technical standpoint, the greatest risk lies in the assembly of the power generators in space. However, the European Space Agency (ESA) in cooperation with the Russian Federal Space Agency are planning to have a Soyuz rocket, capable of manned flight along an equatorial orbit, ready for launch at the Kourou Space Center in Guiana in 2009. If this becomes a reality, it will be possible to reduce the risks associated with power generator assembly.
2. India and China, which have an intrinsic high demand for energy, should be included in the list of potential of SPS energy recipients. For this to happen, the SPS transmission must cover up to 6 degrees latitude north and south of the equator. This would also bring the majority of African countries into potential range. Technical improvements are necessary to enable this increase in range.
3. While energy is related to a country’s security, it is hoped that SPS2000 will be a significant part of Japan’s peaceful contribution to the international community. Given the relative lack of interest by Europe and the United States in SPS, Japan’s role in this project is important.
(Masayuki Yanagisawa)