Power generation system on Saturn’s Titan moon using geothermal energy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Because Saturn’s satellite, Titan, is of particular research interest with respect to planning future missions, considering the issue of power generation on the surface of Titan is necessary. This study shows that the use of geothermal sources is one of the most promising methods of generating electricity on Titan.

AIM: The purpose of the study is to explore the best way to utilize geothermal energy from the surface of Titan.

METHODS: Therefore, energy installations operating according to the precritical Rankine, postcritical Rankine, two-cascade Rankine, and Brighton cycles were investigated in this study. The selection of working fluids for these cycles would be based on the fluids present in the atmosphere of Titan to reduce the amount of materials transported from Earth. The power cycle efficiencies for different working fluids, degree of preturbine steam superheating, and pressures were calculated to enable the comparison of the maximum possible efficiency for each cycle under conditions equivalent to those on Titan.

RESULTS: In general, the calculations herein revealed that all cycles under consideration are feasible under the given conditions. Notably, a simple precritical Rankine cycle with methane as the working fluid exhibits the highest efficiency under the given conditions.

Keywords

Rankine cycle / Brayton cycle / organic Rankine cycle (ORC) / geothermal energy

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