Problem Statement about Space Microgrids

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SeniorDesign1.pdf

Senior Design Project Presentation

Solar panel grid on the Moon.

Table of contents/ Group info

Overview

Understanding the concerns

Project objective

Diagrams

Team members:

1. Andrew Prichard

2. Ruben Rodriguez

3. Brendan Schaefer

4. Kevin Huynh

Overview

As the earth and its population continue to evolve overtime, people are constantly

looking for newer, smarter, and cleaner ways to generate and distribute energy sources. One of

the most recent trends is the use of renewable energy sources.

Understanding the concerns

01 Where exactly on the moon should the solar panel(s) be located to be most efficient in terms of converting and storing solar energy?

02 How would it even be possible to transport everything that is needed to complete a solar panel grid? How much would it cost? How long would it take?

03 How does a space solar panel differ from panels made here on earth? What are the limitations to a moon grid? How can this impact future space travel.

Project objective For our project we will build a solar panel that can

be placed on the moon and we will primarily focus on the capabilities of power generation using solar energy. Why specifically on the moon? Well due to the moon not having an atmosphere, the moon is targeted by the sun’s light with less interference such as clouds.

Along with our research, our project design involves constructing a tower that a solar panel can be placed and have to ability to relocate in case of emergencies or to find the most optimal location to maximize efficiency for converting and storing solar energy.

Hardware/Functional Diagram

The Energy Storage System or ESS will utilize DC power to remove inefficient energy conversion stages. The ESS is made up of modules to allow for different sizing needs. Each module is composed of Lithium Ion cells in the format of 12 cells in parallel and 12 cells in series. Each cell has a capacity of 50 Amp Hours with each cell at 3.7 Volts.

Energy Storage System

Example of 5 modules together. Each module 12 cells in series 12 cells in parallel.

(basic) Hardware diagram

Total cost of prototype

References