A new architecture for electricity generation onboard telecommunications satellites

J.-F. Geneste

Airbus Group Innovations. D42 --B.P. 90112, 31703 Blagnac cedex France

Abstract
Replacing traditional PV solar arrays on telecommunications satellites by thermoacoustic engines brings to unacceptable over mass and therefore over cost of the satellites. In this paper, we show that redesigning a complete satellite around thermoacoustic engines paves the way for such energy onboard together with lower global mass and much lower costs. Figs 9.