Energy conversion evolution at lunar polar sites

Abstract

Lunar polar environments have many advantages from the standpoint of energy supply to robotic and human surface bases. Sunlight is nearly continuous and always horizontal at peaks of perpetual light, while waste heat rejection is aided by the existence of cold, permanently shadowed regions nearby. In this paper a possible evolution of lunar polar energy systems will be described, beginning with small robotic photovoltaic landers and continuing into the development of increasingly powerful and diverse energy installations to provide not only electric power but also piped-in sunlight, air conditioning and high-temperature process heat.