Chinese scientists have made significant strides in harnessing the Martian atmosphere to generate and store energy, paving the way for long-term research and potential human habitation on the Red Planet.
Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) have proposed an innovative method that utilizes the carbon dioxide-rich Martian atmosphere as a medium for power generation.
"The atmosphere on Mars can serve as an energy converter in power generation systems," explained Shi Lingfeng, a researcher at USTC. "It acts like the ‘blood’ of the system. The air on Mars, consisting of over 95% carbon dioxide, has excellent properties for heat-to-electricity conversion due to its large molecular weight and high specific heat capacity."
Their studies show that using the Martian atmosphere as a medium can increase power generation efficiency by 20% and the maximum power density by 14% compared to traditional methods using rare gases like helium and xenon. This approach capitalizes on readily available resources, making energy generation for Mars exploration more feasible.
"Utilizing the Martian atmosphere means tapping into local resources," Shi added. "This is a promising technological solution for building a sustainable Mars research station in the future."
In addition to power generation, the researchers have developed a concept for energy storage known as the "Mars battery." This innovative battery uses active substances from the Martian atmosphere as reactive fuel, providing a new energy storage solution for probes and bases on Mars.
"The Mars battery operates similarly to a lithium-air or lithium-carbon dioxide battery," said Xiao Xu, another researcher at USTC. "It absorbs components from the Martian atmosphere to release electrical energy, which can be used by Mars rovers or helicopters."
Tests conducted under simulated Martian atmospheric conditions and temperature fluctuations have shown that the battery can reliably power electronic devices even at temperatures as low as zero degrees Celsius. By harnessing the Martian atmosphere, the battery system’s overall weight is significantly reduced, enabling in-situ energy acquisition and self-sufficiency.
This breakthrough is vital for enhancing China's self-reliance and sustainability in future missions to Mars. The country has been accelerating its Mars exploration efforts, with the Tianwen-3 probe expected to launch around 2028 and return samples from Mars to Earth around 2031.
