Difference between revisions of "Energy storage"
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The availability of [[energy]] is one of the vital requirements for a [[settlement]] on [[Mars]]. [[solar panel|Solar power]] and [[wind turbine]]s are subject to changing weather conditions, especially during the martian night, which makes '''energy storage''' necessary. | The availability of [[energy]] is one of the vital requirements for a [[settlement]] on [[Mars]]. [[solar panel|Solar power]] and [[wind turbine]]s are subject to changing weather conditions, especially during the martian night, which makes '''energy storage''' necessary. | ||
| + | [[Nuclear power]] has been considered as the preferred energy source for most plans for medium- to long-term human expeditions to Mars. However, this is scarcely an option for an [[autonomous colony]] due to the vast effort of the nuclear enrichment process. | ||
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| + | ==Compressed-air== | ||
| + | Compressed-air storage is a recently upcoming technology to store large amounts of energy. Natural Martian [[caves]] can be used as a pressure accumulator. | ||
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| + | ==Chemical== | ||
| + | Energy can be stored in chemical substances, such as [[methanol]]. | ||
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| + | ==Other== | ||
Most conventional schemes (e.g. batteries and flywheels) are practical on a small scale, but do not scale up very easily. | Most conventional schemes (e.g. batteries and flywheels) are practical on a small scale, but do not scale up very easily. | ||
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{{settlementIndex}} | {{settlementIndex}} | ||
[[Category:Energy]] | [[Category:Energy]] | ||
Revision as of 23:48, 24 June 2008
The availability of energy is one of the vital requirements for a settlement on Mars. Solar power and wind turbines are subject to changing weather conditions, especially during the martian night, which makes energy storage necessary.
Nuclear power has been considered as the preferred energy source for most plans for medium- to long-term human expeditions to Mars. However, this is scarcely an option for an autonomous colony due to the vast effort of the nuclear enrichment process.
Compressed-air
Compressed-air storage is a recently upcoming technology to store large amounts of energy. Natural Martian caves can be used as a pressure accumulator.
Chemical
Energy can be stored in chemical substances, such as methanol.
Other
Most conventional schemes (e.g. batteries and flywheels) are practical on a small scale, but do not scale up very easily.
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| Human Considerations: | Economics · Health · Governance · Trade · Law · Social |
