Use of electrodynamic screens for performance optimization of optics and solar panels on the Moon's surface

Abstract

The Moon is an excellent place to make astronomical observations and, furthermore, a great platform to study and gain a better understanding of our own planet and the Universe. However a thin layer of dust covers the lunar surface. It consists of electrostatically charged grains of less than 20 m in diameter. Due to their tiny size, charge and low gravity, they remain suspended from 10 cm to high altitudes (100 km), and would eventually deposit onto solar panels and optical elements causing the degradation of their performance. To overcome this problematics, some studies have proposed the use of a quasi- transparent electromagnetic shield to facilitate the cleaning of the electrostatically charged dust from surfaces, therefore preventing its accumulation, optimizing their efficiency and extending the lifetime of the instruments. These are the so- called Electrodynamic Screens (EDS) and consist of a series of parallel electrodes equally spaced and connected to an alternating current source that generates an electromagnetic wave, in movement, thus repelling the particles. The aim of this project is to find the best configuration of the EDS (width of the electrodes, distance between them and so on) particles in order to achieve the maximum efficiency in removing dust. For this, the results of experiments conducted to date on the Cleaning Factor (CF) or Dust Removal Efficiency (DRE) will be analyzed to determine which parameters and to what extent they affect the efficiency of dust removal in a EDS. In addition to this, the best location on the lunar surface for solar panels and telescopes according to illumination conditions and minimization of dust effects will be evaluated.