Feasibility of Outer Space Power Production
Abstract
With the rapid advancement in the field of Space Exploration, the power production in outer space plays the vital role for efficient and prolong functioning of the satellite and other space research components. Our project is based on the finding the new and efficient sources of power production in outer space. The conventional technology used is the space power production is the photovoltaic cells. As of now the photovoltaic cells are the only space power production system. But this system faces some drawbacks for the prices we are for. This drawback includes Low efficiency, bigger size, vulnerable design, and fixed maintenance. This has led us to design and develop a Brayton Cycle which collects the radiation coming from the sun and develop power by utilizing this heat as a source for cycle and heating the working fluid (Ar). And to recover the waste heat which is being thrown away into space and further use that to produce power by applying above mentioned cycle. As this principle is based on the temperature difference between two surfaces, we find a more efficient source for power production. The other benefits which we get is the elimination of complex mechanism used to fold and unfold solar panels, cost of panels, and most importantly, the weight of the satellite which is drastically reduced thus saving in the overall fuel requirement which makes the space programs more affordable.
