Tap solar power from space: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

From: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/sci-tech/energy/tap-solar-power-space-apj-abdul-kalam-406

Tap solar power from space: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
January 10, 2012 DC chennai

To answer the energy crisis in the world former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has suggested that solar energy can be harnessed by establishing space stations in outer space in order to tap solar power round the clock.

Addressing scientists and faculty at Anna University on Monday, Dr Kalam said that the sun radiates about 10 trillion times the energy which humans consume across the world today.

If we were able to extract even a small portion of this energy from the sun, it would be sufficient to secure the energy demands of our future.

“Space based solar power has many advantages over traditional terrestrial based solar plants. First, the level of solar irradiance is about 1.4 times in extraterrestrial level than at the surface of the earth.

Second, in case of surface based solar power plants the panels can collect solar power for about 6 to 8 hours a day, whereas, in the case of space based power plant, the collection time is full 24 hours”, he said.

Pointing out that space based solar power plants do not get affected by weather, which might bring down the efficiency in case of terrestrial power plant, the former President said that thus space based solar power plant would be far more effective in their efficiency and power generation than the land based systems.

“There are three major focus areas in the space based solar power plant. First component is the space based solar power plant.

Second, is the earth based collection system and the third important aspect is the medium of transmission from space to earth”, he added.

Dr Kalam suggested that the energy should be transmitted from space back to earth – either through microwave or any other technology like laser. Careful research of the impact and safety concerns would have to be conducted.