Difference between revisions of "Energy"
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| − | The availability of '''Energy''' is one of the vital requirements for a [[settlement]] on [[Mars]]. | + | The availability of '''Energy''' is one of the vital requirements for a [[settlement]] on [[Mars]]. It can not be brought from [[Earth]] in large amounts. An [[autonomous colony]] needs their own energy sources. |
| − | + | Since most energy sources are not available continuously some [[energy storage]] is required to keep plants alive and production processes running. | |
| − | [[ | ||
| − | == | + | ==Consuments== |
| − | + | ===Heating=== | |
| + | Du to the [[environmental conditions]] with very low temperaturtes a great amount of energy is required to heat the artificial [[habitat]]. Sophisticated insulation reduces the consumption. | ||
| − | == | + | ===Heavy industry=== |
| − | [[ | + | In a growing colony there are some energy consuming productions, such as [[metallurgie]] or [[silicon]] production. |
| − | == | + | ===Food production=== |
| − | [[ | + | [[Food]] contains energy for [[human]] beings, and hence the production of food consumes a great amount of energy. In a static (not growing) colony this seems to be the biggest consument of energy. Due to the dim [[sunlight]] the [[greenhouse]]s must be lit with additional energy. |
| − | ==Geothermal== | + | ==Sources== |
| − | [[Depth drilling]] can be used to heat [[building]]s. | + | ===Solar=== |
| + | [[Solar panel]]s provide electricity out of [[sunlight]]. There are already experiences with Mars probes. The availability strongly depends on the weather conditions and the daytime. Dust storms can last for months during which solar panels are useless. Maintenance effort is low. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Wind=== | ||
| + | [[Wind turbine]]s provide electricity out of movements of the [[atmosphere]] and can produce lots of energy. [[Dust storms]] may have a massive abrasive effect on the rotor blades, increasing the maintenance effort. The availability strongly depends on the weather conditions. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Nuclear=== | ||
| + | [[Nuclear power]] has been considered as the preferred energy source for most plans for medium- to long-term human expeditions to Mars. It does not depend on weather condition. The availability of radioactive resources on Mars is unclear. Due to the vast effort of the nuclear enrichment process the nuclear fuel must be brought from Earth. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Thermocouples=== | ||
| + | [[Thermocouples]] provide electricity out of temperature differences. Thermocouples are used is [[Radioisotope thermoelectric generator|RTGs]], but can also generate electricity out of the terperature difference between the Martian surface and deeper layers. The amount of energy produced with this technology is sufficient for powering sensors or small gadgets for information technology. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Geothermal=== | ||
| + | [[Depth drilling]] can be used to heat [[building]]s. The temperature in deeper layers of the Martian crust is unclear. | ||
==Open Issues== | ==Open Issues== | ||
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*What is known about nuclear resources on Mars? | *What is known about nuclear resources on Mars? | ||
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[[Category: Concepts]] | [[Category: Concepts]] | ||
[[Category: Energy]] | [[Category: Energy]] | ||
Revision as of 02:27, 13 December 2007
The availability of Energy is one of the vital requirements for a settlement on Mars. It can not be brought from Earth in large amounts. An autonomous colony needs their own energy sources.
Since most energy sources are not available continuously some energy storage is required to keep plants alive and production processes running.
Contents
Consuments
Heating
Du to the environmental conditions with very low temperaturtes a great amount of energy is required to heat the artificial habitat. Sophisticated insulation reduces the consumption.
Heavy industry
In a growing colony there are some energy consuming productions, such as metallurgie or silicon production.
Food production
Food contains energy for human beings, and hence the production of food consumes a great amount of energy. In a static (not growing) colony this seems to be the biggest consument of energy. Due to the dim sunlight the greenhouses must be lit with additional energy.
Sources
Solar
Solar panels provide electricity out of sunlight. There are already experiences with Mars probes. The availability strongly depends on the weather conditions and the daytime. Dust storms can last for months during which solar panels are useless. Maintenance effort is low.
Wind
Wind turbines provide electricity out of movements of the atmosphere and can produce lots of energy. Dust storms may have a massive abrasive effect on the rotor blades, increasing the maintenance effort. The availability strongly depends on the weather conditions.
Nuclear
Nuclear power has been considered as the preferred energy source for most plans for medium- to long-term human expeditions to Mars. It does not depend on weather condition. The availability of radioactive resources on Mars is unclear. Due to the vast effort of the nuclear enrichment process the nuclear fuel must be brought from Earth.
Thermocouples
Thermocouples provide electricity out of temperature differences. Thermocouples are used is RTGs, but can also generate electricity out of the terperature difference between the Martian surface and deeper layers. The amount of energy produced with this technology is sufficient for powering sensors or small gadgets for information technology.
Geothermal
Depth drilling can be used to heat buildings. The temperature in deeper layers of the Martian crust is unclear.
Open Issues
- What is the effect (efficiency) of thin air on the wind turbines?
- Are there scientific theories about the inner temperature on Mars?
- What is known about nuclear resources on Mars?
