The invention relates to a system for generating electrical power in orbit by means of floating conductive tethers, the system being mounted on a space vehicle (1) and comprising: two sets of bare (without electrical insulation) electrodynamic conductive tethers (2, 3) respectively connected to each of two poles (4, 5) of a system (6) for using or storing electrical power, each set being formed by at least one conductive tether. In the presence of plasma and a magnetic field, as it is the case of a satellite orbiting in the Earth's ionosphere, an electric current flows naturally along the conductive tethers, providing electrical power. The amount of electrical power obtained depends on the space environment, the velocity of the satellite relative to the plasma, and the properties and design of the tethers (length, cross-section and material). The system can be optimised by using materials that enhance the emission of electrons by means of a thermionic or photoelectric effects. Such materials are used in the composition of the tethers or to cover the surface thereof along the entirety or parts of the extension thereof.
SYSTEM FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL POWER IN ORBIT BY MEANS OF FLOATING CONDUCTOR CABLES
SYSTEM ZUM ERZEUGEN VON STROM IM ORBIT MITTELS SCHWEBENDER LEITERKABEL
SYSTÈME DE GÉNÉRATION DE PUISSANCE ÉLECTRIQUE EN ORBITE AU MOYEN DE CÂBLES CONDUCTEURS FLOTTANTS
2020-08-12
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
SYSTEM FOR IN-ORBIT PROPULSION VIA FLOATING CONDUCTOR CABLES
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