Method and System for Delivering Electrical Power from Upper Earth Atmosphere to Ground-based Distribution Systems

Abstract

A solar energy collector/converter in space must somehow transmit energy to the ground-based distribution system. This invention provides a way to send the energy with low transit energy loss by suspending receivers and conduits in the air using vessels which are buoyant in the atmosphere. The conduits contain conductive transmission lines for conveying electrical power, and tubes and remotely controlled valves for sustaining the load-bearing arrangement and buoyancy of the vessels.

1 . A power transmission system which completes the power flow path between power collectors in space and power distribution systems on the ground, including these parts: a. A receiver that converts wireless power transmissions (WPT) into electrical voltage and current. b. A conduit containing a conductive transmission line and tubes for conveying gas. c. Vessels that become buoyant when filled with lighter-than-air gas. d. Attachments between the vessels (c) and the conduit (b). d. Conductive attachment to a ground-based power distribution system. e. Remotely controlled valves that release gas from the vessels. f. Remotely controlled valves that infuse gas from tubes in the conduit into the vessels. 
     
     
         2 . The buoyancy of one or more gas-filled vessels elevate receiving transducers,  claim 1 , part a, above a significant amount of the atmosphere that would scatter, absorb and/or deflect WPT between an energy collector and said receiver. 
     
     
         3 . Conduits containing conductive transmission lines, according to  claim 1 , part b, are likewise held and elevated by buoyant vessels, according to  claim 1 , eliminating load from the receiver-bearing vessels and distributing load among the vessels in order to suspend the conduits in the air. 
     
     
         4 . The remotely controlled valves and gas conveying tubes, according to  claim 1 , sustain the proper arrangement and buoyancy of the vessels.