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Title: Limits to power system growth

Abstract

In the design of space nuclear power systems a variety of conversion techniques may be used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. A study was performed which analyzed over 120 proposed system designs. The designs were compared to identify the optimum conversion system as a function of power level and find limits to specific mass (kg/kWe) for each power cycle. Furthermore, the component masses were studied to determine which component of the overall design contributes the most to total system mass over a variety of power levels. The results can provide a focus for future research efforts by selecting the best conversion technology for the desired power range, and optimizing the system component which contributes most to the total mass.

Authors:
;  [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Department of Nuclear Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 (United States)
  2. Umpqua Research, Inc., P.O. Box 791, Myrtle Creek, Oregon 97457 (United States)
  3. Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352 (United States)
Publication Date:
OSTI Identifier:
6801587
Report Number(s):
CONF-930103-
Journal ID: ISSN 0094-243X; CODEN: APCPCS
Resource Type:
Conference
Journal Name:
AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States)
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 271:2; Conference: 10. symposium on space nuclear power and propulsion, Albuquerque, NM (United States), 10-14 Jan 1993; Journal ID: ISSN 0094-243X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS; 42 ENGINEERING; ENERGY CONVERSION; SYSTEMS ANALYSIS; SPACE POWER REACTORS; BRAYTON CYCLE; OPTIMIZATION; PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS; RANKINE CYCLE; STIRLING CYCLE; THERMIONIC CONVERSION; THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION; CONVERSION; DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION; MOBILE REACTORS; POWER REACTORS; REACTORS; THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES; NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems; 210600* - Power Reactors, Auxiliary, Mobile Package, & Transportable; 425000 - Engineering- Power Cycles- (1980-)

Citation Formats

Slater, S M, Klein, A C, Webb, B J, and Pauley, K A. Limits to power system growth. United States: N. p., 1993. Web. doi:10.1063/1.43083.
Slater, S M, Klein, A C, Webb, B J, & Pauley, K A. Limits to power system growth. United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.43083
Slater, S M, Klein, A C, Webb, B J, and Pauley, K A. 1993. "Limits to power system growth". United States. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.43083.
@article{osti_6801587,
title = {Limits to power system growth},
author = {Slater, S M and Klein, A C and Webb, B J and Pauley, K A},
abstractNote = {In the design of space nuclear power systems a variety of conversion techniques may be used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. A study was performed which analyzed over 120 proposed system designs. The designs were compared to identify the optimum conversion system as a function of power level and find limits to specific mass (kg/kWe) for each power cycle. Furthermore, the component masses were studied to determine which component of the overall design contributes the most to total system mass over a variety of power levels. The results can provide a focus for future research efforts by selecting the best conversion technology for the desired power range, and optimizing the system component which contributes most to the total mass.},
doi = {10.1063/1.43083},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6801587}, journal = {AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States)},
issn = {0094-243X},
number = ,
volume = 271:2,
place = {United States},
year = {Fri Jan 15 00:00:00 EST 1993},
month = {Fri Jan 15 00:00:00 EST 1993}
}

Conference:
Other availability
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