Zhuri

USA takes years working on methods to obtain solar energy directly from space. What is known as space solar energy is shown as an improvement on the conventional solar plants that we have here on Earth. The density of solar energy in orbit is six times greater than on Earth and the problem of weather interference is eliminated. However, it is true that there are quite a few technological obstacles that must be resolved. Although Europe, the United Kingdom and Japan have already made some proposals, the United States has a very prominent activity around the implementation of this type of projects. Therefore, it was to be expected that sooner or later China, the North American country’s eternal space rival, would join. After presenting several proposals project, Zhuri has finally been selected, with which Xidian University it has already started to work. From geostationary orbit to your electrical devices. The Zhuri mechanism, which means “chasing the Sun” in Chinese, consists of several steps. First, a 4.8-meter dome-shaped mirror suspended on a 75-meter tower is used, which is responsible for concentrating sunlight on a series of panels, similar to those used on Earth. This sunlight is used to obtain electricity, which cannot be transmitted directly in space, so it is then converted into microwaves, which can travel more efficiently. These then pass to a rectifying antenna, known as a rectenna, whose role is to transform these microwaves back into direct current electricity. That is the electricity that reaches the Earth. Other devices. In addition to the mirrors mentioned, Fresnel lenses of 2 to 7 meters wide have also been tested, as they are capable of focusing light even more efficiently, with less expenditure of materials. They even include cooling liquids that help manage solar heat, avoiding some of the inconveniences that it could cause. The first tests have been a success. In the first tests, scientists from Xidian University have obtained energy in the order of kilowatts, so for now the results are very positive. They are not alone. In the United States there are several projects aimed at obtaining solar energy directly from space. For example, Caltech has been researching in this area since 2013 and has already carried out some experiments in orbit in 2023. Also some private companies, as Goalplan to power their data centers with space solar energy by 2030. And, of course, the United States government could not be absent. The ARACHNE project, of the Air Force, is based precisely on this same goal. On the other hand, in Europe the ESA has the project Solaris and UK Space Solar. Both plan to start operating in 2030. And above all, Japan stands out, which has been researching in this area for decades and was one of the first countries to test wireless power transmission. Not to be confused with Reflect Orbital. The United States has other similar projects, as Reflect Orbitalbut they should not be confused, as they are much more controversial. With them, what reaches the Earth is not electrical energy, as with everything we have mentioned so far, but rather sunlight itself, which is “squeezed” even during the night. The objective of both types of projects is similar, but the means are very different. Beware of challenges. All countries that have tried to obtain space solar energy have encountered the same challenges. For example, they highlight problems in addressing the ease of deployment of folding or self-assembling structures, achieving precise microwave aiming, and ensuring the safety of the beams, both for the environment and for aircraft crossing the area where this electrical energy is being obtained. To address some of these handicaps, China uses modular units that fly in formation rather than a single massive structure, thereby improving endurance and making maintenance easier. Short term goals. Logically, the ultimate goal of this type of project is to bring solar energy to any part of the Earth. However, for now, we want to go step by step and achieve small preliminary challenges, such as wireless charging of satellites in orbit or the supply of lunar bases in orbit or on the lunar surface. Image | POT In Xataka | We knew there was water on the Moon, but not why some craters were empty. Finally we have the answer