High-Level Project Summary
Powering a rover on Venus' hellish atmosphere is challenging. That’s where our thermoelectric generator and High-Temperature Sodium/Nickel chloride battery storing system comes in to help the rover sustain its mission on the surface of Venus for at least 60 days, so that there is a viable energy storage capability for long-duration exploration missions.
Link to Final Project
Link to Project "Demo"
Detailed Project Description
our project which is a power generating and storing system generates power continuously using a thermoelectric generator, our generator works using heat directly from the surface as we also make sure to maximize the temperature used using heat flow, by shaping our heated plate made of copper ( this metal was adopted because it has high thermal conductivity which makes it an excellent heat catcher and also a high electrical conductivity so it connects our semiconductors electrically) when our semiconductors get heated from one side it creates an electrical current thanks to the seebeck effect, thus we get electriciy.in order to maximize our generator’s power production we increased the heat of the input by creating heat flow, and we made sure to create a good temperature difference between the heat sink and the hot plate using the stirling cooler. We will be using a Na/NiCl2 (Sodium/ Nickel chloride) battery as an energy storage system. It is based on electrochemical charge/discharge reactions that occur between a positive electrode (cathode) consisting mainly of Nickel (Ni) and sodium chloride (NaCl), and a negative electrode (anode) that is typically made of sodium (Na). The electrodes are separated by a beta-alumina ceramic wall that is conductive for sodium ions but an isolator for electrons. Governed by the following equation:
2Na + NiCl2 ⇔ Ni + 2NaCl, and made of raw materials which are abundantly available worldwide. It is also harmless, non-flammable, non-explosive, and has
an operating temp range of 250–500 °C, a specific energy of 90–110 Wh/kg, and an energy Density for Batteries 70–130 Wh/l
Space Agency Data
Hackathon Journey
Space Apps hackathon 2022 was by far one of the best events that i have ever experienced, throughout the hackathon i got to learn so many new information abour earth, space and technology.As planet exploration enthusiasts, my team chose the "exploring venus together " challenge in which we are asked to develop an energy storage system to power a rover or a lander on the surface on venus for 60 days. Our approach on developing this project consists of using a thermoelectric generator which is a robus and highly reliable energy converter device, that aims to generate electricity in applications in which the heat would be otherwise dissipated, after that this energy will be stored in a chemical battery adequate to high temperature environments. When facing setbacks and challenges, we connect to each other and devise a plan that will minimize the impact of the setback.
References
https://www.innov.energy/fr/technologie-sodium
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzGnNkOxdpI&t=1s
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine
https://www.britannica.com/science/laminar-flow
https://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/FoilSim/Manual/fsim001n.htm
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/coanda-effect
https://www.thermopedia.com/content/1161/
3D models made with sketchUp
Laminar Flow : https://www.britannica.com/science/laminar-flow
Airfoil : https://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/FoilSim/Manual/fsim001n.htm
Coanda Effect https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/coanda-effect
Streamline flow : https://www.thermopedia.com/content/1161/
Pump https://supertechmachinery.en.made-in-china.com/product/BOuGAQTKatVe/China-LPG-Corken-Turbine-Pump.html
Heating Valve https://www.screwfix.com/c/heating-plumbing/motorised-valves/cat83102