Vacuum insulation for a lunar-based power system

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 t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE transactions on dielectrics and electrical insulation 1995-04, Vol.2 (2), p.299-311
Main Authors: Gordon, L.B., Gaustad, K.L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Electric potential
Energy loss
Insulation
Large-scale systems
Moon
Power systems
Predictive models
Thermal management
Vacuum systems
Voltage
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Summary: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.< >
ISSN:1070-9878
1558-4135
DOI:10.1109/94.388256