Vacuum insulation for a lunar-based power system

Author

Gordon, L.B. ; Gaustad, K.L.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Electr. Eng., Texas Univ., Arlington, TX, USA

Volume

2

Issue

2

fYear

1995

fDate

4/1/1995 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

299

Lastpage

311

Abstract

Current plans for the development of an established manned base on the surface of the Moon will require power levels from 100 kW up to 1 MW. Voltage levels for transmission will likely approach 10 kV, with distances between sources and loads of up to 5 km. Vacuum insulation is being considered due to its simple and low mass design. In this paper we discuss the problems in implementing large scale vacuum insulation in the lunar environment. Computer models have been developed to predict electrical energy loss and thermal energy flow. The advantages and disadvantages of several designs are discussed, including mass, size, and thermal management. Potential electrical breakdown mechanisms that might occur in the lunar environment are proposed

Keywords

Moon; power system CAD; power systems; vacuum breakdown; vacuum insulation; 10 kV; 100 kW to 1 MW; 5 km; electrical breakdown mechanisms; electrical energy loss; lunar environment; lunar-based power system; manned base; thermal energy flow; thermal management; vacuum insulation; Electric potential; Energy loss; Insulation; Large-scale systems; Moon; Power systems; Predictive models; Thermal management; Vacuum systems; Voltage;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1070-9878

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/94.388256

Filename

388256