4. 1. Concentrator focuses sunlight on space-based PV array 2. PV array powers laser diode 3. Laser diode pumps fibers 6. DC electricity is converted to AC 7. Power is distributed to consumers 4. Light from fibers is fed to optics and transmitted to Earth 5. Terrestrial PV receiver array converts sunlight to DC electricity Satellite Concept of Operation
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6. Solar Cell Efficiency vs Wavelength Example: Laser Diode Array achieves 40% with LASER SSP & Photovoltaic ground Array 1kW/m 2 ~ Sun on Earth Typical earth mounted solar array has 14% efficiency Visible Light (reference)
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8. Preliminary Observations - Market 14 SSP Economic & Market Analysis Team World Energy Prospects to 2020 , IEA, 1998 Growth In Electric Capacity Supply 1995 - 2020 (GW )
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15. Actual system “flight proven” through successful mission operations Actual system completed and “flight qualified” through test and demonstration (Ground or Flight) System prototype demonstration in a space environment System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (Ground or Space) Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof-of-concept Technology concept and/or application formulated Basic principles observed and reported System Test, Launch & Operations System/Subsystem Development Technology Demonstration Technology Development Research to Prove Feasibility Basic Technology Research TRL 9 TRL 8 TRL 7 TRL 6 TRL 5 TRL 4 TRL 3 TRL 2 TRL 1 Assessing Technology Readiness Levels