Lunar Power Grid: Network Structure and Spontaneous Synchronization

Abstract

Achieving stable synchronized operation in an alternating current power network is critical to the continuity and reliability of energy delivery. In this paper, we study a dynamic model for synchronization in the proposed power network which the National Aeronautic and Space Agency plans to build on the lunar surface to support continuous human presence on the Moon and a lunar economy. This network is quite remarkable in the sense that it is expected to be the first power network to operate at the unprecedented operating frequency in the kHz range. The particular structure of this network allows us to derive the necessary and sufficient conditions guaranteeing the existence of a unique locally stable synchronized mode, which will provide a passive control mechanism for the system. Furthermore, we study the bifurcation process leading to the loss of synchronization when the system parameters fall outside of the stable regime. Our results have broader implications for many complex networks with parametric heterogeneity to enhance stability and resilience.