Describe a beamed power solution. ( Digest Number 135)

>
> I am afraid I don't have a lot of time to spend on this topic or this list.

You have already posted a list of references, which is excellent.
I will try to review those links and see if there are any answers there
to the questions.

In the meantime, more links and more references would help.

We need source data to back up the assumptions.

> This is a _very good time_ to make the case for beamed power. If someone
> thinks there is a case for a beamed power relay to help respond to
> California's situation, they should put the numbers together *now*. In
> fact, I suggest they post them here. Elsewhere, I have seen the comment

I agree.

> that a beamed power path could transmit power with 50% efficiency, vs 10%
> for new land lines. Some people are taking that to Congress, and there have

Ouch, beamed power should get efficiencies into the 90's no ?

Land lines are only 10% ! I thought they were a lot better than that.

Where can I see source data ?

Even searching the DOE site does not give me much, there is an awful lot
of hype there.

> been and will be more hearings. But I am not convinced. I think the
> geometry is against you. I think launch costs are against you. I would
> *love* someone to prove me wrong.
>

Geometry and launch costs are the easy parts to deal with.
They are known quantities, so zero risk.
We can put those into the spreadsheets right now.

The tricky parts are:

1) How do we get the highest efficiencies ?
2) How do we overcome the PERCEIVED safety risks
3) How do we design the antennas, at least at a high level so we can put
in some
realistic performance numbers - this affects launch weight and
efficiency, two key parameters.
4) how do we do phased array control on a multi- kilometres aperture
scale (the costs are what ?)
5) How do we deploy flimsy kilometres sized structures in space (R&D
cost) ?
6) How do we control and steer flimsy kilometre size structures in space
(R&D cost) ?

Numbers in those areas right now are rather vague.

> In Washington, there would be a *lot* of interest in high technology
> alternatives to help provide power to the western US, especially ones that
> would also help leverage space development. Come up with the right couple
> of paragraphs, and money could flow into this arena.
>
> Okay class, you have 3 hours on this problem. Get set.. get ready..
> *Start*! (and remember, pencils down after 3 hours.. :-).
>

>From my perspective it is a needle and haystack problem.

I do not have the data, and I do not know where to find the data.

Assistance would be appreciated.

Cheers,

CR.