Lunar Regolith Volatile Induction Heating Extraction Device: Design and Validation

In-situ analysis of volatiles in lunar polar regolith represents an important direction in current lunar exploration. However, due to the relatively limited energy available in the lunar polar regions and the low thermal conductivity of lunar soil, traditional resistance heating methods for in-situ volatile extraction face challenges such as high energy consumption, slow heating rates, and failure to reach required temperatures. The Lunar Regolith Volatile Detection Payload onboard the Chang'e7 rover employs an induction heating method to extract water and other volatiles from lunar soil. Based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, this paper describes the design and working principle of the Lunar Regolith Volatile Induction Heating Extraction Device and establishes a performance test platform to experimentally validate its heating capabilities. Tests conducted in a vacuum environment demonstrated that the heating frequency and induction power exhibit a resonant characteristic-first increasing and then decreasing. Under a 15V power supply, a maximum heating power of 60 W was achieved, enabling precise temperature control between 50°C and 700°C, with a temperature deviation of ≤q 50°C and a heating time of ≤q 120 seconds. These results meet the requirements for in-situ volatile detection in lunar regolith under orbital conditions. This study provides technical support for the in-situ extraction and analysis of volatiles in lunar polar regolith.