Multimegawatt dynamic NEP PMAD study

Conference · Tue Jan 19 23:00:00 EST 1993 · AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.43129· OSTI ID:5535010

Metcalf, K J ^[1]

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1. Rocketdyne Division, Rockwell International Corporation, 6633 Canoga Avenue, P.O. Box 7922, MZ HB05, Canoga Park, California 91309-7922 (United States)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lewis Research Center (NASA LeRC) is developing a Fortran--based model of a complete nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) vehicle to be used for piloted or cargo missions to the Moon or Mars. The proposed vehicle will use either a Brayton or K-Rankine power conversion cycle, and either ion or magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters. In support of this effort, Rocketdyne evaluated various power management and distribution (PMAD) approaches and selected a low-frequency design that is based on the direct use of the alternator voltage and frequency for power transmission. This approach was compared with dc and high-frequency ac designs, and selected on the basis of mass, efficiency, and qualitative assessments of power quality, reliability and development costs. This low-frequency architecture will be used as the reference in future NEP PMAD studies and for the subsequent Fortran model development.

• OSTI ID: 5535010
• Report Number(s): CONF-930103--
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States), Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States) Vol. 271:3; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPCS
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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