Photovoltaic power system operation on mars

Geoffrey A. Landis*, Joseph Appelbaum

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Considerations for operation of a photovoltaic power system on Mars are discussed. The average solar insolation at Mars is 590 w/m2, which is reduced yet further by atmospheric dust. Of major concern are the dust storms, which have been observed to occur on local, as well as on global, scales and their effect on solar array output. While atmospheric opacity may rise to values ranging from 3 to 9, depending on storm severity, there is still an appreciable large diffuse illumination, even at high opacities, so that photovoltaic operation is still possible. Energy storage will be required for operation during the night. Temperature and wind provide additional considerations for array design.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)281-288
Number of pages8
JournalScience and Technology Series
Volume90
StatePublished - 1997

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