High-temperature nuclear closed Brayton cycle power conversion system for the space exploration initiative

Conference · Sat Jan 05 04:00:00 EST 1991 · AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.40160· OSTI ID:5343593

Brandes, D J ^[1]

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1. Allied-Signal Aerospace Company, Garrett Fluid Systems Division, 1300 West Warner Road, Tempe, Arizona 85284-2896 (US)

The Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) has stated goals of colonizing the moon and conducting manned exploration of the planet Mars. Unlike previous ventures into space, both manned and unmanned, large quantities of electrical power will be required to provide the energy for lunar base sustenance and for highly efficient propulsion systems for the long trip to mars and return. Further, the requirement for electrical power of several megawatts will necessitate the use of nuclear reactor driven power conversion systems. This paper discusses a particle bed reactor closed Brayton cycle space power system that uses advanced materials technology to achieve a high-temperature, low-specific-weight modular system capable of providing the requisite electrical power for both a lunar base and a Mars flight vehicle propulsion system.

• OSTI ID: 5343593
• Report Number(s): CONF-910116--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States) Journal Volume: 217:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
425001* -- Engineering-- Power Cycles-- Brayton-- (1980-)
BRAYTON CYCLE POWER SYSTEMS
COMPRESSORS
DESIGN
ENERGY SYSTEMS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
POWER SYSTEMS
RADIATORS
SIZE
SPACE VEHICLE COMPONENTS
SPACE VEHICLES
VEHICLES