NASA experts have discovered that there may be enough wind on Mars to use wind turbines as an energy source. This is reported in an article published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
To simulate conditions on the Red Planet, the researchers adapted a climate model originally developed to study the climate on Earth. By taking into account factors such as the amount of solar radiation, the amount of dust in the atmosphere and geographical relief, it was possible to determine the wind speed in different parts of the planet’s surface.
Many regions of Mars have been found to have winds strong enough to support wind power generation, and in some regions the wind is strong enough to be the sole source of energy. These areas include crater rims and volcanic mountain areas, as well as areas of ice formations where wind can generate more electricity from solar panels.
The authors write that wind power compensates for daily and seasonal drops in solar power, particularly in mid-latitudes of scientific interest and during regional dust storms. The turbines will stabilize the power output from the solar arrays, thus increasing the percentage of time power exceeds the mission’s estimated needs to 60-90 percent over much of the Martian surface.
Source: Port Altele
