Test Results from a Simulated High Voltage Lunar Power Transmission Line

Abstract

Abstract. The Alternator Test Unit (ATU) in the Lunar Power System Facility (LPSF) located at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, OH was modified to simulate high voltage transmission capability. The testbed simulated a 1 km transmission cable length from the ATU to the LPSF using resistors and inductors installed between the distribution transformers. Power factor correction circuitry was used to compensate for the reactance of the distribution system to improve the overall power factor. This test demonstrated that a permanent magnet alternator can successfully provide high frequency AC power to a lunar facility located at a distance.

Space Microgrids for Future Manned Lunar Bases: A Review

“…A high-frequency AC system of 50kW with a high-voltage transmission line is simulated in [70] for lunar EPS. It is observed that the leakage inductance of the transformer is 10 times the transmission line, and the combined leakages of the two transformers are 60% of the alternator inductance.…”

Siting, Sizing, and Energy Management System for Future Manned Lunar Microgrids

“…The generated or stored power requires a suitable means for distribution to the consumption units using AC, DC or a hybrid AC-DC system. A 50kW lunar EPS with a high voltage and frequency is simulated by the authors of [47]. It has been observed that, although a higher frequency of the power system decreases the capacitor and power converter size, the skin effect and reactive inductance of the line increase, thereby minimally affecting the mass of the entire system [8].…”