Conceptual design of a lunar base solar power plant. Lunar base systems study task 3. 3

Technical Report · Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1988

OSTI ID:6376865

The best available concepts for a 100 kW Solar Lunar Power Plant based on static and dynamic conversion concepts have been examined. The two concepts which emerged for direct comparison yielded a difference in delivered mass of 35 MT, the mass equivalent of 1.4 lander payloads, in favor of the static concept. The technologies considered for the various elements are either state-of-the-art or near-term. Two photovoltaic cell concepts should receive high priority for development: i.e., amorphous silicon and indium phosphide cells. The amorphous silicon, because it can be made so light weight and rugged; and the indium phosphide, because it shows very high efficiency potential and is reportedly not degraded by radiation. Also the amorphous silicon cells may be mounted on flexible backing that may roll up much like a carpet for compact storage, delivery, and ease of deployment at the base. The fuel cell and electrolysis cell technology is quite well along for lunar base applications, and because both the Shuttle and the forthcoming Space Station incorporate these devices, the status quo will be maintained. Early development of emerging improvements should be implemented so that essential life verification test programs may commence.

• Research Organization: Eagle Engineering, Inc., Houston, TX (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6376865
• Report Number(s): N-89-13829; NASA-CR-172086; NAS-1.26:172086; EEI-88-199
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
MOON
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
DESIGN
ENERGY STORAGE
FUEL CELLS
INDIUM PHOSPHIDE SOLAR CELLS
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
EQUIPMENT
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
POWER PLANTS
SATELLITES
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
STORAGE
140600* - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems