A Model-Based approach for Space-Based Solar Power: technical feasibility, efficiency and mission cost

The present thesis delves into the examination of a prospective photovoltaic power station situated in Earth's orbit, tasked with collecting solar energy in space, converting it, and wirelessly transmitting it to the Earth's surface. This very challenging study pertains to Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) and is presently funded by the European Space Agency (ESA). It aligns with the broader objectives of the ESA SOLARIS initiative, which aims to pave the way for a cleaner and more secure energy future for European citizens. The ultimate goal of this thesis is to facilitate a comprehensive quantitative understanding of the entire SBSP system, employing a model-based approach that encompasses a spectrum of system facets, spanning from power simulations to cost and energy investment evaluations. An ad-hoc optimization model, considering the entire efficiency chain of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP), has been employed to conduct in-depth architectural trade-offs. This model enables the identification of the optimal combination of project areas, including solar panel area, on-board antenna area, and ground power station area. Additionally, a fully parametric cost and energy model for SBSP has been developed, utilizing the appropriate methodologies and relationships for such an ambitious project. This model serves to assess the comprehensive mission costs, required energy investments, and the associated greenhouse gas emissions for a chosen architecture. Furthermore, a high-level architecture of the SBSP system, covering both space and ground components, has been developed in order to follow a Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) approach. Each architectural block has been populated with Simulink models, allowing for the evaluation and simulation of various scenarios for end-to-end power transmission. The final architecture has been integrated in MathWorks System Composer toolkit. Lastly, a customized parametric model has been developed to gain insights into the scale and the array of challenges associated with a prospective SBSP demonstrator mission. This endeavor has been a collaborative effort with MathWorks to develop a user-friendly interface, consolidating all aspects and models produced for SBSP analysis within a single tool.