Resistor technology will play a crucial role in space-based solar power

In the first study of its kind, researchers at King’s College London have discovered that space-based solar power (SBSP) could cut Europe’s renewable energy requirements by up to 80 per cent. Here Mike Torbitt discusses what this means for the future of renewable energy, and the role resistor technology will play in making these developments possible

From analysing NASA designs, researchers at King’s College London found that space-based solar power (SBSP) had the potential to reduce energy battery storage needs by over two thirds.

The feasibility of solar panels in space is still yet to be determined; there are significant technical and cost limitations to overcome first. However, it is hoped that it could become possible by 2050. If successful, it would be a giant leap towards international net-zero efforts.

NASA’s concepts, involving satellites in geostationary orbit, would allow for a continuous harvesting of sunlight that could then be beamed to Europe as microwaves. The result would be dispatchable, zero-carbon power that is unaffected by varying weather conditions.

The advantages are clear, but the challenge, of course, is navigating the technical complexities and initial investment required to complete such an ambitious project.

As highlighted by NASA, SBSP would likely exceed anything built in space before in terms of scale, other than maybe very large satellite constellations with huge combined mass and area. So, it is by no means a given that the current concepts are achievable.

And one small but crucial element of the electronic design that needs to be reliable is the resistor technology.

Requirements for resistor technology in solar power

Resistors are vital for controlling the flow of current to make sure each electronic component receives the right level of voltage. By dissipating excess energy, they can prevent systems from overloading and overheating.

For land-based solar panels, resistors are also used for braking to ensure panels that move or tilt towards the sun stop when required.

While there will be overlaps in resistor functions in land- and space-based solar panels, SBSP will require advanced resistor technology that is both reliable and durable in space.

A major challenge will be during the launch, when resistors need to regulate electronic systems while withstanding extreme vibrations and thrust.

Resistor technology will also be needed for the testing of SBSP designs through load banks. These allow engineers to test how electronic systems will handle different conditions, to ensure faults are identified and resolved before the launch. For such projects, thorough testing is absolutely essential.

Designing resistors with resilience to extreme conditions

Resistors within the electronic systems will require highly specialised designs to make sure they can effectively withstand the harsh conditions of space.

With increased radiation and extreme variations in temperature and pressure, the conditions of space present unique challenges to engineers. Every aspect of the design, from the overall structure to the smaller details like resistors, must be carefully considered, with optimal materials used throughout.

A challenge for engineers is designing resistors that can handle the vibrations during launch and remain durable in space, while being lightweight and compact.

Combined with this, each component must have sufficient radiation resistance to withstand the sun’s ionising effects. As such, engineers will generally need to focus on materials that are lightweight with high melting points.

Navigating the cost of SBSP

Alongside the technical complexities, cost is another factor that has held back developments in SBSP. The potential savings are huge once solar panels are successfully implemented in space, but the design, development and launch of the spacecraft will involve significant costs.

As the weight of spacecraft impacts the launch costs, all components, including resistors, will need to be as small and lightweight as possible. This needs to be achieved while ensuring all power demands are met, which is no easy feat for such a complex project.

Operating in space raises the stakes for any application, and so there will be a pressure to keep all electronic faults to a minimum to avoid project failure. Again, this is why load bank testing is so important in the development process.

By reducing the need for land-based renewables in the continent, space-based technology has the potential to reshape the energy landscape once fully implemented. In fact, researchers at King’s predict that SBSP could lead to savings of up to 15% of costs in Europe, equivalent to €35.9 billion per year.

Considering the potential advantages of SBSP, it would be an incredibly exciting development for the renewable sector.

On a large scale, it has the potential to boost Europe’s efforts to achieve net zero, but the advantages extend beyond that. As engineers work to overcome the complex technical challenges of SBSP, we can expect to see advancements in just about every aspect of the electronic designs, and resistor technology is no exception

Mike Torbitt is Managing Director of resistor manufacturer Cressall.