SPR-8 multi-mega watt space power system (MMW-SPS) concept description and concept refinement plan
The SPR-8 MMW-SPS concept can satisfy both continuous and burst mode power requirements. At 10 MWe continuous mode power for 5 yr and 75 MWe burst mode power for 200 sec, the SPR-8 concept can power radar systems for detecting ballistic missile launchings and for discriminating between warheads and decoys. When enemy action is detected the SPR-8 MMW-SPS can power a rail gun, free electron laser, or particle beam and destroy the missile in the boost phase or warheads in space flight. The SPR-8 concept is based on the SPR-6 system (ref. 1) for providing continuous mode power. The system uses a fast UN-fueled, lithium-cooled reactor. Heat is transferred from the lithium coolant to potassium in a shell and tube heat exchanger-boiler. Potassium vapor is expanded through a turbine in a saturated Rankine cycle. After passing through the turbine the potassium is condensed in a compact heat exchanger by transferring heat to the radiator working fluid. An advanced radiator design is envisioned. Much work will be required in radiator technology to achieve low mass and plan form. For completeness of the SPR-8 system concept, a charged liquid droplet radiator is assumed but other types should be considered. Mechanical pumps are used for simplicity, but other types should be considered. A block diagram of the SPR-8 system is given.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 588033
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-ID-129627; ON: DE98051943; TRN: AHC29809%%107
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: DN: Declassified; PBD: 15 Apr 1985
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
SPR-9 concept definition study: FY 1986 summary
Deep Bore Storage of Nuclear Waste Using MMW (Millimeter Wave) Technology, STTR Fast Track Project, Phase I Final Report-Revised
Related Subjects
21 NUCLEAR POWER REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
DIRECTED-ENERGY WEAPONS
SPACE POWER REACTORS
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
DESIGN
NUCLEAR FUELS
LIQUID METALS
RANKINE CYCLE
URANIUM NITRIDES
BRAYTON CYCLE
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems