Space Microgrids for Future Manned Lunar Bases: A Review

Abstract

Several space organizations have been planning to establish a permanent, manned base on the Moon in recent years. Such an installation demands a highly reliable electrical power system (EPS) to supply life support systems and scientific equipment and operate autonomously in a fully self-sufficient manner. This paper explores various technologies available for power generation, storage, and distribution for space microgrids on the Moon. Several factors affecting the cost and mass of the space missions are introduced and analysed to provide a comprehensive comparison among the available solutions. Besides, given the effect of base location on the design of a lunar electrical power system and the mission cost, various lunar sites are introduced and discussed. Finally, the control system requirements for the reliable and autonomous operation of space microgrids on the Moon are presented. The study is complemented by discussing promising future technological solutions that could be applied upon a lunar microgrid.

Modeling of Solar Cells and Environmental Conditions for Space Microgrids

“…Especially the study of electrical systems for space applications is of huge interest these days since it is a vital element for the survival of human beings in the extreme hazardous outer space environment. In this regard, the new concept of SMGs has been proposed recently, which are based on the widely-studied islanded terrestrial microgrids (MGs), but with a much higher level of reliability, resiliency, robustness, optimization, and stability (RRROS) not only for the whole system, but also for each individual element [74][75][76][77]. In case of the energy production, atomic fission-based generation has been proposed given its benefits in terms of mass, volume, being independent of location, modularity, etc.…”

“…Nevertheless, the power generation hugely depends on the sunlight availability and temperature. Besides, the lunar dust can cover the panels and reduce the efficiency, and effects of radiation of ions and highly energetic photons represents a way to degrade quickly the PV cells [20,76]. Therefore, more investigation on this technology is required.…”

“…Then, regarding a PV-based SMG, the site selection depends heavily on the energy production and degradation of the PV-modules. Specifically for Lunar conditions, the solar irradiance (illumination), frequency and duration of darkness periods (night and eclipses), site topography (especially for polar locations), temperature profiles, radiation of nuclei particles, and meteorite flux [76] are among the main factors to consider.…”

“…The concept of SMGs has been recently proposed by different authors [74][75][76][77]. The idea is inspired by the similarity between the terrestrial islanded MGs and planned space bases.…”

“…Just like on Earth, the selection of a position upon the Moon for establishing an SMG will change the energy needs of the costumers, in this case the space base. The position will be selected taking into account the lunar terrain topography and accessibility to the POI, temperature range, availability of energy, ease of a good communication link between the Earth and Moon, as well as water and other frozen volatiles, among others [62,76]. Then, regarding the selected position(s), the power and energy demanded by different loads on the space settlement must be managed as optimally as possible while having a high level of RRROS, not only of the whole system, but each individual element of the SMG.…”