Due to the continuing search for new, renewable sources to power our energy-intensive society, many groups across the country are considering the feasibility of Satellite Power Systems (SPS). Most concepts involve generating electric energy at geosynchronous Earth orbit and then beaming this energy to Earth as microwaves. A rectifying antenna then collects and rectifies it to dc power. Afterwards, it is converted to 60 cycle ac and enters the U.S. power grid.
As a result of this study, a methodology for distributing rectenna sites across the country and for fine-tuning exact locations is developed, and recommendations on rectenna design and operations are made. This developed methodology will be used in the reevaluation of the rectenna sites identified in this preliminary study. It is suggested that the design recommendations be considered in future rectenna design studies.