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Design Concepts for a Lunar Electric Power System

by Kenneth Owrey, Engineer; Fluor Daniel, Irvine, United States,
Herminio Abcede, Engineer; Fluor Daniel, Irvine, United States,
Davy Nyirenda, Engineer; Fluor Daniel, Irvine, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space III

Abstract:

This paper discusses the results of ongoing research and the evaluation of various concepts for transmission, distribution and utilization of electric power for a lunar liquid oxygen plant. The design requirements of the oxygen plant, which would employ a magma electrolysis process, are presented together with the basic electric system configuration that would satisfy these requirements. A design philosophy for the overall integrated power system is discussed relative to the primary objective of optimizing the mass, volume and number of components that will comprise the power system. The discussion covers factors to be considered in the selection of voltage level, type of power, AC frequency, number of phases and associated transformation equipment necessary to link the generation, transmission, distribution and utilization sections of the power system. Also, a qualitative comparative evaluation of the benefits and limitations of DC to DC switched mode power converters versus DC to AC/AC to DC converters as electric transformation equipment in a lunar environment is presented.

Subject Headings: Electric power | Power plants | Electrical systems | Power transmission | Energy infrastructure | Moon | Electrical equipment

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