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

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel power generation method for lunar installations using temperature gradients to operate an Organic Rankine Cycle, enabling continuous power supply during lunar night.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical and engineering framework for using lunar surface temperature gradients to power an Organic Rankine Cycle for uninterrupted lunar habitat power.

Findings

Potential to generate 25 kW continuously

Feasible with current working fluids and technology

Supports lunar crew during night periods

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 $25\,{\rm kW}$ to sustain a 3 member crew.