An electrical power system of Mars rover

This paper focuses on the design and construction of a Mars rover electrical power system, which support the exploring equipments working over the day and night. The electrical power system is a direct energy conversion system consisting of solar panel, Li-ion batteries and radioisotope thermoelectric generator. PV cells are used as primary power source; batteries as emergency power source, and RTG as auxiliary power source. Thus, the implementation of an energy management system is required, which is capable of predicting future power generation, planning activities within expected power resources range, analyzing the healthy state of power system, and diagnosing power system failures and emergencies.