China’s ambitious effort to harvest space solar energy has taken a major step forward after researchers successfully demonstrated wireless power transmission at a ground-based testing facility.
The project is being developed by a team at Xidian University in Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province in northwestern China. Researchers are testing technologies designed to collect solar energy, convert it into electricity, and then transmit that power wirelessly over long distances.
The latest experiments showed that electricity could be transmitted over distances exceeding 100 meters. The tests also demonstrated that a single transmitter could deliver power to multiple moving targets simultaneously.
The work is part of the Zhuri project, which means ‘chasing the sun.’ The initiative is led by Duan Baoyan, a leading electromechanical engineer and former president of Xidian University.
Researchers hope the technology will eventually operate in space. Their long-term goal is to place solar power stations in orbit around Earth and beam electricity back to the ground using microwave technology.
The concept relies on a simple three-step process. First, mirrors collect and focus sunlight onto solar panels that generate electricity.
Next, the electricity is converted into microwaves. These microwaves are then transmitted through the air toward a receiving station.
Finally, a device known as a rectenna receives the microwaves and converts them back into usable electricity. A rectenna is a specialized antenna designed for wireless power reception.
Researchers conducted the latest tests using a large, dome-shaped mirror measuring 4.8 meters across. The mirror is suspended from a tower standing approximately 75 meters tall.
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Scientists collected most of their data during the middle of the day when sunlight was strongest. According to the research team, the period between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. provided the most effective conditions for testing.
Space Solar Energy, Beamed Down
One of the biggest attractions of space-based solar power is its energy potential. Solar panels on Earth face limitations caused by nighttime, weather conditions, and seasonal changes.
In space, those restrictions largely disappear. Solar systems in orbit can receive sunlight almost continuously and operate without atmospheric interference.
Researchers estimate that solar energy density in space can be several times greater than what is available on Earth’s surface. This significantly increases the amount of electricity that can be generated from the same collection area.
Last month, an expert review panel approved the results of the project’s latest experiments. The successful review provided additional support for the team’s plans to pursue future testing beyond Earth.
Duan said the next major objective is to secure funding for orbital demonstrations. Such tests would allow researchers to evaluate how the technology performs in the environment where it is ultimately intended to operate.
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Despite recent progress, major engineering challenges remain. Building a full-scale space solar power station would require enormous structures operating thousands of kilometers above Earth.
A system capable of generating one gigawatt of electricity, enough to power a medium-sized city, would need mirror arrays stretching hundreds of meters. Transporting and assembling structures of that size in orbit remains a difficult and expensive task.
Engineers must also develop highly accurate microwave transmission systems. The energy beam must remain precisely focused to ensure efficient power delivery.
Safety is another critical consideration. Scientists must carefully control microwave strength to avoid risks to aircraft, satellites, and the environment.
The technology also offers practical applications before large-scale space power stations become a reality. Researchers believe wireless power transmission can support both terrestrial and space-based operations.
One potential use involves supplying electricity to satellites already in orbit. Wireless energy transfer could extend satellite lifetimes and reduce dependence on onboard power storage systems.
The same technology could support future lunar exploration efforts. Scientists envision transmitting electricity from lunar orbit or from installations on the Moon’s surface to research bases operating there.
China’s interest in space solar power has been growing for more than a decade. Duan began studying the field in 2012 after reviewing research on NASA’s SPS-ALPHA concept.
That proposal explored the possibility of constructing giant solar power platforms using thousands of smaller satellites working together. The idea inspired researchers to explore new approaches for large-scale orbital energy systems.
Over time, the Zhuri project evolved significantly. Researchers moved away from designing a single massive structure and adopted a modular architecture.
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Under this approach, many smaller units operate together in formation. If one module fails, the rest of the system can continue functioning, improving reliability and reducing maintenance challenges.
The team is also testing different methods of concentrating sunlight. Alongside large mirrors, researchers are experimenting with Fresnel lenses, which use concentric rings to focus light while requiring less material.
At the test facility, several Fresnel lens arrays direct concentrated sunlight onto solar panels. This process generates significant heat, making thermal management a key engineering challenge.
To prevent damage, the system uses cooling tubes filled with circulating fluid. These cooling systems help maintain stable operating temperatures and protect sensitive equipment.
Managing heat becomes even more important in space. Without air to carry heat away, engineers must develop new methods to cool solar panels and other key components.
As researchers continue refining the technology, China is positioning itself among the leading nations working on space-based solar power. The latest wireless transmission tests provide valuable data that will guide future development efforts.
