Team KRATOS: Solar Concentration Power Generation on Mars Utilizing a Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle

Faculty Mentor Name

Daniel Dannelley, Elliot Bryner

Format Preference

Poster

Abstract

To meet the NASA BIG Idea Challenge requirements of designing a power generation system for use on Mars, Team KRATOS has selected a carbon dioxide (CO2) open Brayton cycle architecture. The heat input source will consist of a concentrated solar power system, with a graphite solar receiver tower and reflectors attached to pods for easy maneuverability. The pods will be packaged underneath the main tower to fit within an 11 m3 volume for transportation and be pre-programmed to arrange themselves around the main tower dependent on latitude in order to maximize the available energy. An initial Brayton cycle analysis has been performed to determine that 40kW of power can be generated from the system overall. Graphite thermal reservoirs will be utilized allowing the system to produce power during dust storms and at night. Dust mitigation on the solar reflectors will be controlled by the use of an electrodynamic shield.

Poster Presentation

EAGLE PRIZE Award

Location

AC1-Atrium, Eagle Gym

Start Date

3-23-2018 11:00 AM

End Date

3-23-2018 9:00 PM

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Mar 23rd, 11:00 AM Mar 23rd, 9:00 PM

Team KRATOS: Solar Concentration Power Generation on Mars Utilizing a Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle

AC1-Atrium, Eagle Gym

To meet the NASA BIG Idea Challenge requirements of designing a power generation system for use on Mars, Team KRATOS has selected a carbon dioxide (CO2) open Brayton cycle architecture. The heat input source will consist of a concentrated solar power system, with a graphite solar receiver tower and reflectors attached to pods for easy maneuverability. The pods will be packaged underneath the main tower to fit within an 11 m3 volume for transportation and be pre-programmed to arrange themselves around the main tower dependent on latitude in order to maximize the available energy. An initial Brayton cycle analysis has been performed to determine that 40kW of power can be generated from the system overall. Graphite thermal reservoirs will be utilized allowing the system to produce power during dust storms and at night. Dust mitigation on the solar reflectors will be controlled by the use of an electrodynamic shield.

Poster Presentation

EAGLE PRIZE Award