APPENDIX B SYSTEMS DEFINITION - SPACE BASED POWER CONVERSION SYSTEMS1 BACKGROUND This 16 month study was still 3 months from conclusion when this summary was prepared. The study is investigating potential systems for the generation of electric power in space. Electric power would be beamed to Earth for use by consumers. Seven candidate power generation concepts were investigated (five have solar energy as the basic power source; two use nuclear reactors): 1. Solar Brayton Cycle 2. Solar Thermionic Direct Radiation Cooled 3. Solar Photovoltaic 4. Nuclear Brayton Cycle 5. Solar Thermionic Liquid Cooled 6. Solar Thermionic/Brayton Cycle Cascade 7. Nuclear Thermionic. In addition a Power Transfer System was investigated. This was a system of mirrors in geosynchronous orbit to reflect sunlight to ground solar power plants. At the 10 month point, a study extension placed emphasis on the first four of the previously listed systems. DEMAND ANALYSIS Analysis of past growth rates in electric power generation capability, population trends, etc., led to the baselining of the following SPS programs: 1. Preliminary Summary — NASA/MSFC Contract No. NAS8-31628.
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