Design of a Sun light-Independent Power System for Multi- Purpose Crewed Lunar Rovers with Auxiliary Energy and Oxygen Stations

Crewed lunar missions require reliable, sustainable, and sunlight-independent power systems to ensure continuous operation during the ۱۴-day lunar night. This paper presents an integrated hybrid power architecture for a crewed lunar rover, incorporating three primary subsystems: photovoltaic arrays, electrostatic charge extraction from lunar regolith, and an auxiliary methane-based power unit. Methane is produced through archaeal methanogenesis using human fecal waste, and the operational requirements of space-adapted bioreactors are analyzed. Calculations indicate that four astronauts can generate approximately ۱۰۰ L of methane per month, which yields up to ۵۵۴ Wh of electrical energy when converted using a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). The resulting CO۲ and water vapor are captured and recycled for agricultural and life-support needs.A high-voltage subsystem, capable of generating up to ۳۰ kV, is implemented to support wireless power transfer, electrostatic dust mitigation, particle separation, and surface analysis. To extend mission range and enhance operational resilience, distributed Energy Supply Stations are deployed along predefined routes. Each station integrates solar arrays, cyanobacteria-based photobioreactors for in-situ oxygen and water production, methane storage units, filtration systems, and battery-charging infrastructure. The results demonstrate that the combined biological, chemical, electrical, and infrastructural components provide a sustainable and sunlight-independent power solution suitable for long-duration crewed lunar rover missions.

کلیدواژه ها:

lunar rover ، Methanogenic Bioreactor ، crewed lunar missions ، sunlight-independent power