University of Twente Student Theses
Feasibility of micro wind turbines as power solution for future mars missions
Lange, C.L. (2021) Feasibility of micro wind turbines as power solution for future mars missions.
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| Abstract: | To meet the increasing energy demands for Mars missions, the feasibility of using micro wind turbines (<500W) as a possible power solution for standalone applications is investigated. The potential of using micro wind turbines lies in providing an alternative or additional power supply for devices such as landers, rovers, or drones, as photovoltaic cells are the only currently used sustainable energy supply. The approach to the study is threefold, consisting of an assessment of the winds on Mars, an analysis and evaluation of the design considerations, and a quantitative aerodynamic design of a possible turbine as power supply for a drone mission. Further research is suggested in terms of the structural analysis and design of the turbine to reach conclusions on the weight efficiency of the system. This allows for direct comparison to competitive systems. Concrete decisions in terms of transport, deployment, and component and material selection are necessary for this. A significant value is seen in CFD and experimental investigation of various airfoil profiles at ultra-low Reynolds numbers over large ranges of angles of attacks as a way to validate the currently employed design methods. Overall, an optimistic outlook on the general feasibility is adopted, given the preliminary results and the overall utility of diversifying power generation methods for Mars missions. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Programme: | Advanced Technology BSc (50002) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/87415 |
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