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.


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    Title :

    SYSTEM FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL POWER IN ORBIT BY MEANS OF FLOATING CONDUCTOR CABLES


    Additional title:

    SYSTEM ZUM ERZEUGEN VON STROM IM ORBIT MITTELS SCHWEBENDER LEITERKABEL
    SYSTÈME DE GÉNÉRATION DE PUISSANCE ÉLECTRIQUE EN ORBITE AU MOYEN DE CÂBLES CONDUCTEURS FLOTTANTS


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2020-08-12


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS / H01B CABLES , Kabel / H01M Verfahren oder Mittel, z.B. Batterien, für die direkte Umwandlung von chemischer in elektrische Energie , PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY



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