A survey was made of factors that may affect the design of photovoltaic (PV) arrays for a lunar base. These factors, which include the lunar environment and system design criteria, are examined. A PV power system design with a triangular array geometry is discussed and compared to a nuclear reactor power system and a power system utilizing both nuclear and solar power sources. It is shown that the solar array is a small percentage of the overall PV power system mass. Energy storage for the lunar night is the main mass driver; minimizing the night-time power usage will significantly lower mass. It is further found that a tent array configured in an east/west orientation has advantages over a fixed tilt or horizontal array, due to power generation at dawn and dusk.


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    Title :

    Design consideration for lunar based photovoltaic power systems


    Additional title:

    Entwurfsüberlegungen für photovoltaische Energiesysteme auf dem Mond


    Contributors:
    Hickman, J.M. (author) / Curtis, H.B. (author) / Landis, G.A. (author)


    Publication date :

    1990


    Size :

    7 Seiten, 17 Quellen


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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