Seasonal Performance Evaluation of a Hybrid PV-Wind-Battery Power System for a Mars Base

TL;DR

This study evaluates the seasonal performance of a hybrid PV-wind-battery system designed for Mars bases, demonstrating its potential to support multiple sites under various conditions including dust storms.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed simulation of a hybrid renewable power system for Mars, considering seasonal and dust storm effects, and identifies optimal configurations for supporting Mars habitats.

Findings

Supports 6-person Mars base on 32.1% of surface during equinoxes and solstices

Can support 24 sites during all seasons with a single system

Highest energy potential at Hebrus Valles, Huygens Crater, Noctis Labyrinthus

Abstract

This work investigates a hybrid photovoltaic-wind-battery power system designed to sustain a Mars base under varying seasonal and climatic conditions. The Mars Climate Database was utilized to simulate the effects of seasonal changes, diurnal cycles, and dust storms on the system's power generation. The seasonal performance was analyzed across the Martian surface and at potential habitation sites proposed in the "First Landing Site/Exploration Zone Workshop for Human Missions to the Surface of Mars (FLSW).'' Within the hybrid system, the photovoltaic arrays serve as the primary energy source, with wind turbines providing essential backup during nighttime and dust storms. A single $1\,000\,\mathrm{m}^2$ photovoltaic array, a $33.4\,\mathrm{m}$ diameter wind turbine, and a $312\,\mathrm{kWh}$ battery can support a six-person Mars base at $32.1\%$ of the Martian surface during the equinoxes and solstices, expanding to $51.7\%$ with three sets of arrays and turbines. Additionally, $24$ FLSW sites can be supported throughout the solstices and equinoxes by a single photovoltaic array, turbine, and battery, even during global dust storms. Among the $24$ sites, Hebrus Valles, Huygens Crater, and Noctis Labyrinthus had the highest energy production potential. These findings are expected to guide further research on hybrid renewable power systems for Mars exploration.