Surface Power Model (SPM)

This Project develops a Surface Power Model to include MATLAB modeling that will help inform design of electrical power systems to enable sustained Lunar and planetary surface power infrastructure.  Previous work completed so far includes analytical studies recommending a 3 kV AC electrical power grid for the Artemis power system, and the development of an initial proof of concept breadboard of the universal modular interface converter (UMIC) which is a bidirectional, grid forming inverter intended to connect Artemis assets to this grid.  NASA GRC is leading this effort with JSC support responding to modeling and analysis needs for novel Lunar surface power management and distribution (PMAD) systems.  Specifically, NASA JSC has expressed a need to model and analyze the PMAD systems of candidate In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) systems. JSC provides the ISRU modeling tools and baseline simulation for testing and evaluation.  JSC also provides the training to GRC personnel to understand the modeling environment.  The first steps for the Project will be working with JSC on these two items.  Then GRC will review the JSC modeling tools (TRICK, etc.) and determine the best integration of GRC modeling capabilities.  For example, can the GRC modeling tools directly integrate into the JSC modeling tools as real time software?  GRC will then develop various ISRU power system architecture to meet the power demands for the ISRU studies.  GRC will also integrate power system models with JSC ISRU models.  Once these tasks are completed, GRC will document the results in a demonstration of MATLAB HIL model simulation and in a Final Presentation to the GCD Program Office.

​This Project develops a Surface Power Model to include MATLAB modeling that will help inform design of electrical power systems to enable sustained Lunar and planetary surface power infrastructure.  Previous work completed so far includes analytical studies recommending a 3 kV AC electrical power grid for the Artemis power system, and the development of an initial proof of concept breadboard of the universal modular interface converter (UMIC) which is a bidirectional, grid forming inverter intended to connect Artemis assets to this grid.​  The primary benefit is advancing analysis and modeling to support the initial proof of concept UMIC and how it will connect to Artemis assets utilizing a future Lunar power grid. The secondary benefit from this Project is advancement of the modeling and analysis needed to design a Lunar surface power management and distribution (PMAD) system in support of future government and commercial missions to the Lunar surface which enables additional exploration and science.

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