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Engineering doi: 10.1016/j.eng.2023.11.007

On the Innovation, Design, Construction, and Experiments of OMEGA-Based SSPS Prototype: The Sun Chasing Project

a Research Institute on Mechatronics, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, China
b Research Institute of Antenna, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, China

Received: 2022-12-06 Revised: 2023-02-24 Accepted: 2023-11-27 Available online: 2023-11-30

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Abstract

 

This study systematically introduces the development of the world's first full-link and full-system ground demonstration and verification system for the OMEGA space solar power satellite (SSPS). First, the OMEGA 2.0 innovation design was proposed. Second, field-coupling theoretical models of sunlight concentration, photoelectric conversion, and transmitting antennas were established, and a systematic optimization design method was proposed. Third, a beam waveform optimization methodology considering both a high beam collection efficiency and a circular stepped beam shape was proposed. Fourth, a control strategy was developed to control the condenser pointing toward the sun while maintaining the transmitting antenna toward the rectenna. Fifth, a high-efficiency heat radiator design method based on bionics and topology optimization was proposed. Sixth, a method for improving the rectenna array’s reception, rectification, and direct current (DC) power synthesis efficiencies is presented. Seventh, high-precision measurement technology for high-accuracy beam-pointing control was developed. Eighth, a smart mechanical structure was designed and developed. Finally, the developed SSPS ground demonstration and verification system has the capacity for sun tracking, a high concentration ratio, photoelectric conversion, microwave conversion and emission, microwave reception, and rectification, and thus satisfactory results were obtained.

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