An Overview of Power Generation Technologies Suitable for Lunar Application

摘要

Reliable electric power is needed for a lunar base to be safely habitable and economically viable. This paper performs a basic trade study of three (3) power generati ng technologies: solar photovoltaic (PV), solar dynamic (Brayton) and nuclear reactors. The basis of the study is a requirement to generate a net plant output of 1 MWe throughout the lunar day and night. Current terrestrial experience in each of these tec hnologies is reviewed and the challenges for adapting these existing designs for lunar application discussed. A full -scale lunar system capable of producing from the kWe to the MWe range will eventually be required. During the initial stages of establish ing a lunar base, the power requirements will be in the kWe range and will provide power to rovers, robots and construction equipment. The paper will discuss portable power sources including fuel cells and the potential use of low temperature dynamic gener ator technology. This type of technology could possibly use the temperature difference between the surface and the sub -surface of the moon or the shaded and un -shaded portions of the lunar surface to generate power. A sustainable lunar economy in the later stages of lunar base development will require power in the multi -MWe range. A small 4 MWth reactor, using Gas -cooled Fast Reactor (GFR) technology, would be a good power source for this application. The fast neutron spectrum of the reactor would allow fo r long core life and smaller core volume. The GFR also has the potential of being used for both propulsion and power applications. In summary the paper will provide a relative ranking of each technology based on a review of transportability, constructabil ity, operability, maintainability, safety, supportability, scale -up, availability, reliability and lunar manufacturability. The paper concludes by suggesting the use of a mix of technologies for lunar power generation for greater reliability and flexibilit y.