Cite This Publication

E. L. Morrison, William B. Grant, and Evan J. Dutton

Abstract:

The Department of Energy (DOE), along with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), has been evaluating the Satellite Power System (SPS) as a source of baseline electrical power. The objective of the SPS program is to develop an initial understanding of the technical feasibility, the economic practicality, and the social and environmental acceptability of the SPS concept. One of the potential problems identified early in the concept analysis was the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of an SPS with existing and planned electromagnetic and electronic systems. A preliminary study has been conducted to show the EMC problems for an initial candidate receiving antenna (rectenna) site in the Mojave Desert of California. A methodology has been developed and demonstrated for rectenna site EMC analysis and impact evaluation. For the particular site chosen, the majority of the severe impact interference problems concerned military operations. The systems degraded by SPS off-site microwave beam components were integral systems and subsystems of complex Development and Operational Test and Evaluation programs. Based on the operational system degradations near the Mojave site and the inability to establish mitigating strategies without unacceptable operational compromise, a second site north and east of the original was proposed.

Keywords: electromagnetic compatibility (EMC); satellite power system (SPS); radio frequency interference (RFI)

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

Back to Search Results