Space-Enhanced Solar Power for Equatorial Regions

Bonetti, F. and McInnes, C. R. (2017) Space-Enhanced Solar Power for Equatorial Regions. In: 27th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, San Antonio, TX, USA, 5-9 Feb 2017, pp. 3089-3107. ISBN 9780877036371

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Abstract

This paper examines the concept of solar mirrors in a Earth orbit to provide solar farms with additional solar power during the hours of darkness. The design of the orbit is key for the purposes of the mission: the mirror needs continuous access to the Sun and the solar farm simultaneously. Therefore, orbits with high-eccentricity will be considered to increase the visibility time. Also, since the most convenient locations for solar power farms are about the equator, a suitable orbit should have a low inclination. This issue can be addressed through the concept of anti-heliotropic orbits that exploits mainly solar radiation pressure perturbations to generate highly-eccentric equatorial orbits able to maintain the orientation with respect to the Sun. The considered configuration consists in two space mirrors in a flower constellation rotating with the Earth to deliver a repeat ground track.

Item Type:Conference Proceedings
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bonetti, Federica and McInnes, Professor Colin
Authors: Bonetti, F., and McInnes, C. R.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
ISBN:9780877036371
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in 27th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy
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