Venus surface power and cooling systems

Geoffrey A. Landis, Kenneth C. Mellott
2007 Acta Astronautica  
A mission to the surface of Venus would have high scientific value, but most electronic devices and sensors cannot operate at the 450 • C ambient surface temperature of Venus. Power and cooling systems were analyzed for Venus surface operation. A radioisotope power and cooling system was designed to provide electrical power for a probe operating on the surface of Venus. For a mission duration of substantial length, the use of thermal mass to maintain an operable temperature range is likely
more » ... ctical, and active refrigeration may be required to keep components at a temperature below ambient. Due to the high thermal convection of the high-density atmosphere, the heat rejection temperature was assumed to be at a 500 • C radiator temperature, 50 • C above ambient. The radioisotope Stirling power converter designed produces a thermodynamic power output capacity of 478.1 W, with a cooling power of 100 W. The overall efficiency is calculated to be 23.36%. The mass of the power converter is estimated at approximately 21.6 kg. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2006.12.031 fatcat:nfmcdx26kzc37e7g4cxxpgyp3i