Difference between revisions of "Energy"

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(New page: The availability of '''Energy''' is one of the vital requirements for a settlement on Mars. The following sources are discussed: ==Solar== There are already experiences with [[sol...)
 
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==Solar==
 
==Solar==
There are already experiences with [[solar panels]] on Mars probes.
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[[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. Maintenance effort is low.
  
 
==Wind==
 
==Wind==
[[Wind turbine]]s can produce lots of energy. [[Dust storms]] may have a massive abrasive effect on the rotor blades.
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[[Wind turbine]]s provide electricity out of the [[atmosphere]] and can produce lots of energy. [[Dust storms]] may have a massive abrasive effect on the rotor blades. The availability strongly depends on the weather conditions.
  
 
==Nuclear==
 
==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. However, this is scarcely an option for an [[Foundation of an Autonomous Colony|autonomous colony]] due to the vast effort of the nuclear enrichment process.
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[[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. Vast effort of the nuclear enrichment process.
  
 
==Thermocouples==
 
==Thermocouples==
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==See also==
 
==See also==
 
*[[Energy storage]]
 
*[[Energy storage]]
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[[Category: Concepts]]
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[[Category: Energy]]

Revision as of 06:34, 21 November 2007

The availability of Energy is one of the vital requirements for a settlement on Mars. The following sources are discussed:

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. Maintenance effort is low.

Wind

Wind turbines provide electricity out of the atmosphere and can produce lots of energy. Dust storms may have a massive abrasive effect on the rotor blades. 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. Vast effort of the nuclear enrichment process.

Thermocouples

Thermocouples provide electricity out of temperature differences. 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.

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?

See also