Static Charge Harvesting From Suspended Regolith for Space Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars have atmospheres with suspended regolith due to static electric charges, posing risks to astronauts, damaging surfaces, and providing intermittent solar energy, necessitating alternative energy sources for space exploration.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for harvesting static electric charges from suspended regolith using a charge conductor with a rechargeable energy storage device and a DC to DC converter, allowing energy transfer and mitigation of regolith-related hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar energy is used as the primary energy source for space exploration, then renewable energy is provided for recharging energy storage devices, but solar power is intermittent and substantially unavailable for extended periods of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful static electric charge suspended in regolith into a beneficial energy source. By exposing a charge conductor to the statically charged regolith particles, the system harvests electrical energy that would otherwise be a hazard, providing a reliable energy source during periods when solar power is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a charge conductor as an intermediary element between the statically charged regolith and the energy storage system. This conductor captures the static electric charge and transfers it through a conductive path to recharge energy storage devices, enabling energy harvesting without direct contact between the regolith and the storage devices.
2Use of energy by moving object
If regolith is present in suspended form due to static charge, then energy harvesting opportunity is provided, but regolith is damaging to exposed surfaces and poses risks due to charge levels approaching several thousand volts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the harmful static electric charge in suspended regolith into a useful energy resource. The charge conductor safely intercepts the static charge, converting it into rechargeable energy while preventing the charge from causing surface damage or electrical hazards to astronauts and equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge conductor serves as a protective intermediary that captures static charge before it can damage surfaces or create hazardous conditions. By providing a controlled conductive path through rechargeable energy storage devices, the system safely dissipates and utilizes the static charge without exposing astronauts or equipment to its harmful effects.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient energy harvesting from static electric charges, supplementing solar power and mitigating regolith-related risks, providing a reliable energy source for space missions and improving operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable energy storage device coupled between the charge conductor and the terrestrial ground, whereby the rechargeable energy storage device is recharged by a charge flow through the conductive path
Implementation Method 2
Celestial bodies such as Earth's moon and Mars are known to have atmospheres supporting suspended clouds or plumes of regolith. Regolith suspension is due at least in part to static charge of the regolith particulate matter
Implementation Method 3
selectively transferring energy stored within the rechargeable energy storage device may include using a DC to DC converter to transfer charge from the rechargeable energy storage device to the other rechargeable energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for harvesting a static electric charge from suspended particles in an atmosphere includes exposing a charge conductor to the suspended particles in the atmosphere and selectively providing a conductive path between the charge conductor and a terrestrial ground including a rechargeable energy storage device. Energy may be selectively transferred to another energy storage device.