Overview of high temperature superconducting power transmission system for space solar power station

Abstract

Superconducting technology is a potential solution for ultra-high power electrical transmission in limited size and weight, and has been feasibility demonstrated in multiple aerospace projects by NASA and ESA. For the aerospace environment with requirements for weight and volume, in high-power applications such as space solar power plants, superconducting power transmission can be used to effectively utilize stable high-energy solar radiation in space orbit, and wireless energy transmission can be used to transmit it to the ground. Faced with the demand for ultra-high power transmission within large space power stations, it is urgent to carry out research on safe and reliable ultra-high power transmission. The ”zero resistance” effect of superconducting technology can significantly reduce power loss and increase the transmission current density per unit volume, which is of great significance for solving the long-distance transmission of high-power electricity. This article discusses the current development status of second-generation high-temperature superconducting cable technology at home and abroad, as well as the feasibility analysis of its application in space solar power plant systems. It summarizes the key technologies for applying high-temperature superconducting power transmission in aerospace environments, providing reference for subsequent practical engineering design.