Finding new sources of clean energy is imperative for the future health of our planet.
Solar energy is a popular alternative, but it has its limits. Terrestrial solar power can be collected only during the daylight hours and when sunlight is not blocked by clouds or atmosphere. With that in mind, several scientists are exploring other alternatives such as using energy harvested from the sun and outer space at the same time.
This research into outer science promises a way forward in providing energy without harming the environment. This article will explain what space-based solar power is, why it is important, how the technology would work, and how it could revolutionize solar technology and lead to energy independence in the future.
What is Space-Based Solar Power?
Space-based solar power is the use of energy from sun that comes directly from space. It works by placing solar panels on energy transmitting satellites so that they can collect high intensity solar radiation. Once collected, the radiation is beamed to the Earth via microwave or laser beam. Solar energy is already being used on spacecraft today. By expanding the use of this technology on a larger scale in combination with wireless power transmission techniques, we might be able to provide all the energy needed for our entire planet.
Why is it important?
Burning fuel creates carbon dioxide which thickens the air and traps in the sun’s heat contributing to global warming.
Utilizing energy from the sun can provide large quantities of energy with little negative impact on the environment. As some of the sun’s radiation escapes into space, surface temperatures drop. Cooling technology can reflect infrared light without causing the emission of greenhouse gases.
This technology can also help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels for transportation. While electric and hybrid vehicles are gaining in popularity, the electricity used to power them needs to be generated from somewhere. Space solar power can be the solution by providing clean power for electric transportation systems.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
There are quite a few advantages to this source of energy compared to others such as oil, gas, ethanol, coal, nuclear, solar, and wind. Sun harvest solar energy does not emit greenhouse gases or produce hazardous waste, nor does it depend on scarce fresh water sources, natural-gas-derived fertilizer, or farmland. It greatly reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted. This sun time energy is available 24-hours a day and does not depend on the presence of sunshine or wind.
Using solar power from space as a source of energy has the potential to eliminate the global competition for Earth-based sources of energy by providing energy independence to nations that develop it. It can reduce dependence on hostile foreign oil providers and reduce the risk of terrorist attacks on nuclear power plants.
Sunlight from outer spaces can be transported anywhere in the world and converted for energy time.
It can be used to remove salt from seawater and will help expand employment opportunities by encouraging investment in aerospace research. By facilitating the development of space transportation, this outer science technology will make it possible and affordable to access other resources of the solar system.
The primary disadvantage for the development of sun time energy harvested from outer spaces is the cost. However, while the initial investment is quite high, in the long term it will save money and energy time by reducing the costs associated with climate change and maintaining a military presence in the Persian Gulf.
What will it take to get there?
In order to develop and make use of space energy, certain technologies and infrastructure are necessary. Environmentally-friendly and affordable launch vehicles, large-scale solar power satellites, and the development of the means to transmit the power from the satellites to the Earth’s surface will be needed. Developing these sun harvest solar technologies is within reach but will take a great deal of time and energy.
A same time device for harvesting heat from the sun and coldness from outer space
Scientists from Stanford University have shown that there is a way to collect the heat and energy from sun and the cold from space energy simultaneously with a single roof top device. The device uses a top layer to collect the solar cells and a bottom layer to perform the cooling. By combining functions, these devices should not compete for land space and have the potential to work together for greater efficiency.
When placed on the rooftops of homes, this device would supply electricity and cool down the home on hot summer days. There are some challenges that need to be addressed, but the same time technology has the potential to combine two functions, electricity and cooling, in one solar cell.
According to Zhen Chen, a professor at the Southeast University of China, harvesting solar power and cooling techniques from outer space has the potential to revolutionize solar cell technology. Using solar energy brought to the Earth from solar panels in space opens up new ways to develop our ability to harvest the energy from the sun.
By collecting the sun’s rays 24 hours a day, without being limited to day time hours and the presence of sunlight, the amount of energy produced by solar panels in space could be increased, thereby providing the solution to our energy needs today and in the future.
Final thoughts
The absence of clouds, atmosphere, and darkness in space means that solar panels on satellites could capture and transmit much larger amounts energy than is currently possible through the use of terrestrial solar panels. If the investment of time and energy is made, renewable energy harvested from the sun and outer space at the same time can become a reality in the near future. Many of the technologies already exist or are being developed. Harvesting energy from the sun and outer space at the same time is an exciting prospect that could solve many of the global challenges that face us today.