ZEUS* power system
By Shivam, Felix, Ruben
*Zero Electricity Utilization System
What is ZEUS?
ZEUS (zero electricity utilization system) is an energy system capable of providing power to a venus rover for more than 60 days.
�The system utilizes several methods of power extraction - thermoelectric generators and a wind turbine. The entire objective of this power system is to make a system that is unique, redundant and capable of providing power for close to 120 days. The Zeus project aims to use new and unique technologies and cutting edge systems to deliver power on the Venusian surface.
Description of the power systems
The main power source of the rover is the wind turbine, capable of withstanding the extremely harsh conditions on Venus’ surface. The turbine will be able to output approximately 175 Watts in total as the main systems aim to use much more sensitive power systems that would allow the power to go significantly higher than 100 watts, in addition to this the system is going to be placed in a way so that the system is securely in place so that the system can be 12M high to allow the maximum impact of Venusian winds to generate more electricity.�An additional power source - thermoelectric generators - will be included as a way to both cool the system and turn the excess heat into useful energy. This is going to be done as the Seebeck effect is intended at absorbing heat energy and converting it into electricity thereby draining the heat away, in addition to this there are going to be multiple cooling systems that would allow the systems to be cooled down, when they all work together they would be generating much more electricity. The thermoelectric generator would be generating 150 watts in total. In total there is going to be approximately 375 watts worth of power (this can be increased as technology becomes better)
What makes ZEUS unique
ZEUS takes advantage of the thermoelectric generators’ ability to convert heat into energy, using it both as a power source and a cooling system. This will allow the rover to function in extreme temperatures of Venus without having to rely completely on other cooling systems. �This means that the thermoelectric generators will act as backup sources of both energy and cooling. In addition to this the system uses the atmosphere of Venus rather then volatiles as chemicals tend to deplete however things such as turbines and heat based generators done thereby increasing the mission duration, in addition to this our system relies on the winds of Venus which is something that adds to the electricity generation and makes this system better. Lastly the power/weight ratio is very good as it is 1.5 due the weight of the system being around 200kg however the amount of energy produced is 300w which makes this system unique.
Why our system is better
Our system is better as it uses different and unique solutions that allow it to run on systems that don’t run out chemically hence it allows the system to run for a longer period of time, as can be seen from the data the maximum amount of watts a solar powered device gives is 60 watts however due to the temperature increase on Venus our system would generate much more power, in addition to this we don’t have to deal with chemicals and hence this reduces the complexity
NASA: light and altitude graph
NASA: chemical based power systems temperature range
NASA/ESA: Altitude and temperature graph
How it works
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