Design of a Wind Turbine for Martian Power Generation

摘要

Wind energy extraction is a proven terrestrial technology that can offset the dust storm (and nighttime) reductions in solar power generation on Mars. The design of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) for Mars is described herein. The process involves sequentially and iteratively determining the blade shape, the aerodynamic loads, the guy cable design, the axial blade loads, the tower design, the total mass, and the design feasibility. An initial design is presented herein with a total system mass estimated at 944 kg. This design would be considered feasible if wind speeds of 28 m/s or higher operate for at least an hour each Martian day during dust storm conditions. This wind speed is in the realm of possibility as the expected slope winds on Mars will likely be this high or higher. In order to meet this feasibility, the following design trends were seen: low pre-tension guy wires, ultra light blades, and thin lightweight towers. Significant issues such as structural dynamics, thermal expansion/contraction, fatigue, blade struts, deployability, and maintainability were not considered at this time and will be addressed in the next design iteration.