Electrostatic Dust Removal System for a Lunar Rover Solar Panel Assembly
Electronics Design
T.H. Appelman (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
C. Bruinsma (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
A. Ouaissa (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
C.J.M. Verhoeven – Mentor (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
M. Spirito – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
M. Ghaffarian Niasar – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
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Abstract
Lunar dust presents a serious problem for future lunar rovers. Due to the charged nature of this fine dust, it tends to stick to sensitive elements like solar panels. It is clear that a system needs to be implemented in order to remove lunar dust to keep the output power of the solar panel at a satisfactory level. This paper develops the proof of concept electronics for a method sometimes called an electrodynamic screen, that uses electrostatic fields to sweep away the dust adhered to the surface of the solar panel. The electronics for this system needs to produce a high voltage three phase pulse wave in order to drive the electrodes placed on top of the solar panel. The design of the electrodes themselves are not part of this thesis, but it is the main subject of the companion thesis produced by other members of our group.