Date of Award
Spring 2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Program/Concentration
Aerospace Engineering
Committee Director
Robert L. Ash
Committee Member
Brett Newman
Committee Member
Colin P. Britcher
Call Number for Print
Special Collections; LD4331.E535 D355 2011
Abstract
This thesis studies the feasibility of incorporating a large autonomously deployed photovoltaic solar array power system as the primary power source for a large fixed Mars base. A mission duration of 10 Earth years has been assumed and the nominal power demands have been specified as a minimum of 40 kW, during daytime operation and a continuous 10 kW. demand for nighttime operation.
The overall system design developed in this thesis has an estimated total mass of 7,400 kg, when utilizing hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin film solar arrays and an estimated total mass of 5,100 kg when utilizing polycrystalline copper-indium-diselenide CIGS solar cells. Because the technology readiness level required to deploy the CIGS cells has not yet been achieved, both options have been included. Energy storage using a proton exchange membrane regenerative fuel cell system has been recommended for both solar array types.
Rights
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DOI
10.25777/2y2m-yh06
Recommended Citation
Demirok, Omer.
"Long Term Surface Power Generator Design for Mars: Autonomously Deployable Photovoltaic Solar Arrays Along with Regenerative Fuel Cell Modules"
(2011). Master of Science (MS), Thesis, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Old Dominion University, DOI: 10.25777/2y2m-yh06
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/mae_etds/464