Enhancing terrestrial solar power using orbiting solar reflectors

Çelik, O. , Viale, A. , Oderinwale, T. , Sulbhewar, L. and McInnes, C. R. (2022) Enhancing terrestrial solar power using orbiting solar reflectors. Acta Astronautica, 195, pp. 276-286. (doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.03.015)

Abstract

The delivery of global clean energy services represents a key challenge for the 21st century. In order to deliver such services, it is clear that large-scale solar power farms will continue to grow both in number and size. In principle, ultralight membrane orbiting solar reflectors can illuminate large-scale solar power farms during the critical dawn/dusk hours of the day, enhancing the utility of terrestrial solar power. The key advantage is that only a relatively modest mass needs to be delivered to Earth orbit. This paper discusses the technical challenges associated with the development, deployment and operation of such a space-based energy service. Business development models are discussed along with regulatory issues and finally an integrated technology demonstration roadmap is presented.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sulbhewar, Dr Litesh and Oderinwale, Dr Temitayo and Viale, Mr Andrea and Celik, Dr Onur and McInnes, Professor Colin
• Authors: Çelik, O., Viale, A., Oderinwale, T., Sulbhewar, L., and McInnes, C. R.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Acta Astronautica
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0094-5765
• ISSN (Online): 1879-2030
• Published Online: 19 March 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 IAA
• First Published: First published in Acta Astronautica 195: 276-286
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
308703		SOLSPACE	Colin McInnes	European Commission (EC)	883730	ENG - Systems Power & Energy