Project ID#
tbd
Course Code
tbd
Project Type
Competition
Field of Interest
Design, robotics, structures, materials, aerospace, electrical, and computer sciences
Description
From http://bigidea.nianet.org/ :”This solicitation seeks innovations in the design, installation, and sustainable operation of a large solar power system on the surface of Mars. The design aspects should consider lightweight structures, compact stowage, and high PV efficiency. The installation aspects should consider lander integration, robust deployment/retraction mechanisms, and fast/reliable deployment. The sustainable operation aspects should consider array performance under varying Mars environmental conditions including solar flux changes due to daily sun angle, season, and landing site latitude as well as impacts of extended dust storms on array power output. A key objective is to identify practical methods to prevent dust accumulation on the array surface or methods to remove dust once it has collected. These solar array systems are expected to supply reliable electric power for multiple crew campaigns that may span 10 years or more. Successful proposals will include appropriate levels of engineering design and power system analysis to validate the concept.”
Maximum Number of Students
8
Requirements
contact advisor
Additional Information
This is a part of the 2018 BIG Idea Competition: “The Breakthrough, Innovative and Game-changing (BIG) Idea Challenge is an initiative supporting NASA’s Game Changing Development Program (GCD) efforts to rapidly mature innovative/high impact capabilities and technologies for infusion in a broad array of future NASA missions. … Supplying reliable electric power for human missions on the Martian surface is a critical technology need. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems provide a viable option but require creative engineering design and judicious operational approaches to assure successful use on Mars.”
Contact Method
email advisor
Mark Walter
Professor, Advisor
m.walter@uci.edu
Website: http://engineering.uci.edu/users/mark-walter