Ensuring Uninterrupted Power Supply to Lunar Installations Through an Organic Rankine Cycle

Abstract

We propose using the temperature gradients between the Moon's surface and the soil at a certain depth to power an Organic Rankine Cycle that could supply a permanent installation, particularly at night, when solar power is not available. Our theoretical and engineering considerations show that, with existing working fluids and quite feasible technical requirements, it is possible to continuously yield $25\mathrm{kW}$ to sustain a 3 member crew.

8 pages, 3 tables, 3 figures. Version with small corrections

References in corpus (2)

• Progress in Lunar Laser Ranging Tests of Relativistic Gravity
• Radio astronomy with the Lunar Lander: opening up the last unexplored frequency regime