Thermoplastic–Carbon Fiber Composites Could Aid Solar-Based Power Generation: Possible Support System for Solar Power Satellites

Solar power has merit as a renewable source of energy; it is the largest asset available for consumption on Earth and is limitless. There have been many ideas proposed to beam solar power to Earth; all have been dependent upon the provision of a backing frame to support solar panels, photovoltaic cells, and transmission. This paper suggests one type of rigid deployable skeletal structure and its material of manufacture to form the backing frame of solar panel systems; the structure takes the form of a skeletal double-layer tetrahedral system. The composite material is polyethersulphone thermoplastic polymer reinforced with carbon fiber (CF). This paper also discusses the hostile environment of space in relation to the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite material, with special reference to the thermal response. Finally, it suggests the alternate possibility of using a rigidized inflatable flexible skeletal structure and, as far as is possible, compares (a) the relative cost of transferring the two structures to low Earth orbit from Earth, and (b) the cost of solar energy relative to other forms of energy.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CC.1943-5614.0000084
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10900268
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Copyright © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers
• Authors:
  • Hollaway, L C
• Publication Date: 2011-4-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 239-247
• Serial:
  • Journal of Composites for Construction
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1090-0268
  • EISSN: 1943-5614
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/journal/jccof2

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Carbon fibers; Composite materials; Energy consumption; Environmental impacts; Fiber reinforced polymers; Renewable energy sources; Smart materials; Solar energy; Solar power generation
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Highways; Materials; I15: Environment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01348701
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: Aug 8 2011 2:40PM