Effects of Martian dust on power system components

Before large power systems for manned exploration of the Martian surface can be put into place, it must be determined how their performance will be affected by the Martian environment. A program was started to assess the impact of these environmental factors on power system performance, and to find ways to mitigate the degradative effects. The effects of blowing dust on photovoltaic (PV) and radiator surfaces is studied. Extensive use was made of the Martian Surface Wind Tunnel (MARSWIT) located at NASA-Ames to simulate Martian winds. Two basic types of experiment sets were run. In the first, the threshold clearing velocity of dust deposited on PV coverslip material and high emissivity radiator materials in clear Martian-like winds was examined. In the second, dust was dropped near the inlet of the wind tunnel and the winds were allowed to carry the dust past the samples, simulating a dust storm. A summary of results is given.