EnigoMontoya
EnigoMontoya t1_je0mila wrote
Reply to comment by larsschellhas in Is Space-Based Solar Power An Option to Solve Humanity's Energy Hunger After All? by larsschellhas
Bunch of questions here, but starting with a couple...
What's your assumption on the cost of the distributed ground based plants accepting SBSP on a $/MW basis?
What's the breakdown of percent loss from SBSP for the transmission down to ground and conversion into usable AC?
EnigoMontoya t1_je11jm3 wrote
Reply to comment by larsschellhas in Is Space-Based Solar Power An Option to Solve Humanity's Energy Hunger After All? by larsschellhas
Right so the conversion is 50% but the transmission over distance is a distinct loss correct? Yes, microwaves can penetrate the atmosphere, but there is still a cost.
https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S2352484720317273-gr9.jpg
This diagram from a 2021 study touting a 45% conversion efficiency but notes a huge drop from the transmission... 400 KW -> 10 KW over just 10 KM.
When you consider geosynchronous orbit is all the way out at 35,000 KM. This seems like a major issue. What am I missing?