New research from Germany has for the first time investigating the idea of building a photovoltaic dyson-bol, a theoretical mega structure that can offer enormous amounts of energy for interstellar space travel and large-scale technological efforts. Despite the very theoretical and science fiction inspiration, the study explains what consequences a similar construction would have on life on earth.
A researcher from the German research institute Forschungszentrum Jülich has for the first time investigating the opportunity to design a Dyson globe using photovoltaic modules. A Dyson -Bol is a theoretical artificial mega structure that is built around a star that can collect all its radiant energy. If ever built, comparable mega structures can offer enormous amounts of energy for interstellar space travel and large -scale technological efforts.
In the study “The photovoltaic Dyson Bol“Published in Solar energy materials and solar cellsThe author, Ian Marius Peters, explained that the concept of Dyson Sphere was invented by Science Fiction author Olaf Stapledon in 1937.
‘I started this study out of curiosity and there were several aspects of it that I found intriguing, “he said PV -Magazine. “I have an affinity with science-fiction concepts and given my background in PV, the idea of using solar panels for a Dyson-Bol was obvious. I was surprised that I found nothing in the scientific literature.”
Peters acknowledged that He also addressed this work with a sense of humor. “A Dyson -Bol is a project of a bowl that is, at least today, absurd and comical, but it is nice to think about. A dyson is exciting. But a dyson -ball also symbolizes unintended consequences such as those we are currently striving to avoid, such as climate change.
Peters emphasized that the theory behind the Dyson Sphere concept is relatively easy, because it is a detailed balance sheet consideration, so all comparisons can be found in textbooks. “The sensation was for me that these theoretical concepts can be used to cover something as fantastic as a Dyson -Bol. I came up with a number of geometric calculations that were difficult at some point, but in the end all relevant questions can be resolved by considering the preservation of energy.”
Another interesting aspect, according to Peters, is it Availability of material availability. “We often discuss the question of whether we have enough material to build enough solar cells in the world for our current goal, so the question of whether there is enough material to build a Dyson globe who has imposed it on me,” he explained. “I started looking at what materials there are in the solar system, and I thought there would be enough. I believe there are different routes that you can imagine to collect enough material to actually build this system. I hope this will reflect on the discussion about the material availability we currently have.”
Peters is also convinced that building a dyson ball would have significant implications for life on earth. “A large space project such as a Dyson -Bol requires that we manage its impact on our own environment,” he also explained. “So before we think of such a company, we have to solve the consequences of our actions here.”
In the proposed Dyson Sphere system configuration, photovoltaic modules are expected to be expected as a gray body Partially absorbing incident electromagnetic radiation, With their operation that depends on the balance on absorbed and broadcast radiation. This gray body must then be linked to a black body outside for temperature control, which would help to maintain the temperature of the bulb low enough to not influence PV efficiency.
“The highest conversion efficiency of such a sphere turned out to be for a material with a tire distance of approximately 1.3 EV,” is the newspaper. “In the event of an extension of one astronomical unit, the bulb would reach a radiation efficiency limit of 25%, while a temperature of around 400 K assumes.”
However, the researcher discovered that falling temperatures can lead to an increase in the size of the Dyson globe, which in turn would add more costs for the growing material demand. As a result, he proposed to first design a partial atmosphere with a limited extension and then to develop a planetary temperature control system.
“If an example was estimated that a partial Dyson -Bol or Dyson shower, which covers 22% of the bulb surface at an extension of 2.13 AU, would require 1.3 x 1023 Silicon kg, and would allow it to harvest 4% of the energy of the sun, while the temperature on earth is raised by less than 3 K, “he also explained.” This increase is also similar to our current warming process. “
Peters also concluded that a photovoltaic dyson -with an extension beyond the track of the earth would not endanger life on earth while retaining suitable temperatures for photovoltaic efficiency.
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