Publication Date:
2019-07-13
Description:
We present a parametric sizing model for a Molten Electrolysis Reactor that produces oxygen and molten metals from lunar regolith. The model has a foundation of regolith material properties validated using data from Apollo samples and simulants. A multiphysics simulation of an MRE reactor is developed and leveraged to generate a vast database of reactor performance and design trends. A novel design methodology is created which utilizes this database to parametrically design an MRE reactor that 1) can sustain the required mass of molten regolith, current, and operating temperature to meet the desired oxygen production level, 2) can operate for long durations via joule heated, cold wall operation in which molten regolith does not touch the reactor side walls, 3) can support a range of electrode separations to enable operational flexibility. Mass, power, and performance estimates for an MRE reactor are presented for a range of oxygen production levels. The effects of several design variables are explored, including operating temperature, regolith type/composition, batch time, and the degree of operational flexibility.
Keywords:
Lunar and Planetary Science and Exploration; Man/System Technology and Life Support; Space Processing
Type:
KSC-E-DAA-TN25648
,
Advances in Space Research (ISSN 0273-1177) (e-ISSN 1879-1948); 57; 7; 1585-1603
Format:
application/pdf
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