Abstract

This paper presents a techno-economic analysis and optimal sizing of a hybrid microgrid for a lunar surface base, combining a photovoltaic power system, a battery energy storage system, an electrolyzer, a hydrogen storage tank, and a hydrogen fuel cell. The components are coordinated by an energy management strategy that first supplies the load directly from solar power, then charges the battery, and finally produces and stores hydrogen for use by the fuel cell during power shortages. An hourly simulation model is developed using a representative lunar base load profile and environmental conditions consistent with space operation. The influence of photovoltaic capacity and battery technology is examined for three battery types: lithium-ion, lead–acid, and nickel–cadmium. For each case, a complete economic evaluation is performed, including capital, operation and maintenance, fuel, and replacement costs, together with system-level indicators of energy cost and storage cost. In addition, a mass-based assessment relates subsystem sizing to launch mass and transportation cost, which are critical for space missions. The results identify combinations of photovoltaic capacity and battery type that minimise energy cost while satisfying reliability requirements for a crewed lunar base, and they provide design guidelines for efficient hybrid microgrids in space applications.