by In a bid to accelerate the transition to a net-zero future, researchers from the University of Glasgow have proposed the use of reflectors placed in orbit around the Earth. These reflectors would be designed to reflect sunlight towards solar power farms during dawn and dusk, effectively extending the hours of sunlight available for energy generation.
The research, published in the journal Acta Astronautica, outlines how kilometer-wide orbiting reflectors could significantly increase the output of large-scale solar farms. By reflecting additional sunlight towards the farms even after sunset, these reflectors have the potential to maximize the effectiveness of future solar power installations.
Computer simulations were used to determine the most effective method of utilizing orbiting solar reflectors to harness additional power. The models revealed that placing 20 thin reflectors into orbit at a distance of 1,000 kilometers from the Earth’s surface could provide an extra two hours of sunlight each day, on average. This additional sunlight could greatly enhance the output of solar farms, particularly during periods of high electricity demand after sunset. To further increase the output, more reflectors could be added or their sizes could be increased.
To maintain their efficiency, the reflectors would be positioned in a constellation arrangement known as a Walker constellation. This arrangement, commonly used in satellite communication systems, ensures consistent communication with the Earth’s surface by placing equally-spaced satellites in rings around the planet. The researchers developed an algorithm to determine the optimal positioning and angle of the reflectors to capture sunlight most effectively during the early morning and late evening.
According to the team’s calculations, the 20 reflectors could generate an additional 728 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per day. This is equivalent to adding a large-scale solar power farm to the Earth without incurring the associated construction costs.
Dr. Onur Çelik, from the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering and the corresponding author of the paper, emphasized the potential of solar power in the global race to achieve net-zero emissions. He stated, “Solar power has the potential to be one of the key accelerators in our race to reach net-zero, helping us to mitigate the global impacts of climate change by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.”
While the cost of solar panels has decreased significantly in recent years, one major limitation is the dependency on daylight hours for energy generation. The implementation of orbiting solar reflectors offers a solution to this limitation, ensuring that solar farms can operate efficiently for longer periods. By strategically positioning new solar farms in areas that receive the most additional sunlight from the reflectors, their effectiveness can be further optimized.
In conclusion, the use of space reflectors could revolutionize the capabilities of solar power farms by extending their hours of operation and increasing their output. As the global community aims to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources, innovative solutions like orbiting solar reflectors offer new possibilities for a bright and sustainable future.
Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
