Resilient nuclear-photovoltaic-battery hybrid microgrid with MPCOC-based adaptive load-following for areostationary deep space missions

Reliable instantaneous high-power supply remains a critical technological bottleneck for deep space exploration. Here, we propose a novel hybrid microgrid architecture tailored for areostationary orbit applications, integrating a miniaturized nuclear reactor (MNR) for high energy density and continuous operation, photovoltaics (PV) for complementary power generation, and battery energy storage (BESS) for rapid response. A Multi-Physics Coordinate Optimized Control (MPCOC) strategy is proposed to account for the slow response characteristics of MNR. Dynamics of all components of the microgrid are described by different physical models. NSGA-II multi-objective optimization integrating predictive multi-physics simulations is used to optimize both the design and operational parameters of the hybrid microgrid. The optimized microgrid weighs ∼ 1649 kg, being able to provide a maximum long-term mean power of 14.2 kW. The integrating BESS significantly enhances load-following capability, enabling instantons power demand jumps as high as > 50 kW with a battery discharge rate of 2C. The microgrid’s performance is rigorously assessed under baseline and stress scenarios, with mean power/peak power demands being 2.9 kW/16 kW, 7.12 kW/57 kW, respectively. The microgrid also passes the mission demand reconfiguration test and fault scenario test. Crucially, the MNR-enabled microgrid exhibits exceptional resilience under extreme conditions, including nuclear safety–critical events, validating its robustness for deep space applications. Our findings establish the proposed hybrid architecture as a viable and dependable power solution for future deep space missions, where uninterrupted energy supply is paramount.