Solar Turbine

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Solar Turbines are a self-contained system for utilizing environmentally available radiant energy to provide a new source of electricity. The lightweight device relies on a 19th-century concept that uses 21st-century technology. As a renewable source of energy, the Solar Turbine can generate electricity for ground-based units or on spacecraft. Essentially a cross between a modified radiometer and an otheoscope, the Solar Turbine incorporates temperature sensitive materials, unique turbine vane design, fractal-like geometries, magnetic bearings, and supercapacitors.

In addition to energy from the sun, full-scale use of other forms of radiant energy is possible. This expands the range of use to a multitude of environments, in particular space. Due to the variety of radiation and the intrinsic vacuum, space may provide the ideal operating conditions to generate the highest amount of electricity. The lack of volatile chemicals in Solar Turbines also reduces the risk of explosion from orbiting space debris.

The technical objectives of the Solar Turbine are to:

1. Build a working prototype that can be assembled, tested, and manufactured.

2. Test the Solar Turbine with the purpose to identify ideal materials and configurations for
turbine vanes. Classification is determined from energy output.

3. Measure the energy output and compare the results to photovoltaic cells in an identical

4. Design a battery storage unit that that interfaces directly with the Solar Turbine.

1. Generate electrical power that is greater than conventional photovoltaic cells.
2. Power spacecraft and satellites of various sizes. As a lightweight energy solution, payload
weight is minimal.
3. Provide scalable, eco-friendly power to nearby planetary bases.
4. Transfer energy to a battery storage system for spacecraft.
5. Operate as a satellite grid to transmit energy for orbiting spacecraft.
6. Space propulsion by producing a high velocity molecular stream in a given direction.
7. Generate coherent light in space.
8. Measure ambient radiant energy in a region of space.
9. Power commercial spacecraft and satellites.
10. Fuel free propulsion for space debris removal or CAM.

1. Home-based power system.
2. Commercial power system.
3. A lightweight electrical power generator for aircraft including electric unmanned aerial
vehicles and electric planes.
4. A convenient charging and recharging unit for ground-based vehicles.
5. Battery storage units to meet electric needs.


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  • Name:
    Erik Long
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