Space-Based Solar Rectenna AC Capacity Calculator

Estimate alternating-current capacity delivered from a space-based solar power beam by combining transmission efficiency, rectenna conversion, and dispatch availability.

Microwave or laser DC power available at the transmitting array in megawatts.
Fraction of power that reaches the rectenna aperture after beamforming and atmospheric passage.
Microwave-to-DC conversion efficiency of the rectifying surface and power electronics.
Portion of the year the beam is scheduled and the rectenna is dispatched; defaults to 92% when blank.

Forward-looking estimator. Validate efficiencies and dispatch assumptions with ground demos and regulatory constraints before investment decisions.

Examples

  • 1,200 MW transmitter, 56% transmission, 82% rectenna efficiency, 92% availability ⇒ Expected AC capacity 505.34 MW.
  • 800 MW transmitter, 60% transmission, 78% rectenna efficiency, availability left blank (defaults 92%) ⇒ Expected AC capacity 344.64 MW.

FAQ

Does this include beam safety margins?

No. Keep-out zones and automatic shutoff logic affect dispatch availability; adjust the availability input to capture these operational limits.

How do side-lobes affect efficiency?

Transmission efficiency should already net beam spread and atmospheric attenuation; if side-lobe clipping is severe, reduce the transmission percentage accordingly.

Can I compare to terrestrial solar?

Yes. Multiply the AC capacity by annual hours and divide by rectenna land area to derive MWh per hectare, then benchmark against utility-scale PV performance.

Additional Information

  • Result unit: megawatts of alternating current delivered after transmission, conversion, and scheduling losses.
  • Availability defaults to 92% to reflect weather windows, curtailment, and maintenance outages for pilot rectennas.
  • Multiply by 8,760 hours to approximate annual energy if capacity factors hold; this calculator isolates average deliverable capacity.

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