100-kWe Lunar/Mars surface power utilizing the SP-100 reactor with dynamic conversion

Conference · Thu Jan 14 23:00:00 EST 1993 · AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.43087· OSTI ID:5535015

Harty, R B ^[1]; Mason, L S ^[2]

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1. Rockwell International/Rocketdyne Division, 6633 Canoga Avenue, HB21, Canoga Park, California 91303 (United States)
2. NASA-Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44135 (United States)

An integration study was performed coupling an SP-100 reactor with either a Brayton or Stirling power conversion subsystem. A power level of 100 kWe was selected for the study. The power system was to be compatible with both the lunar and Mars surface environment and require no site preparation. In addition, the reactor was to have integral shielding and be completely self-contained, including its own auxiliary power for start-up. Initial reliability studies were performed to determine power conversion redundancy and engine module size. Previous studies were used to select the power conversion optimum operating conditions (ratio of hot-side temperature to cold-side temperature). Results of the study indicated that either the Brayton or Stirling power conversion subsystems could be integrated with the SP-100 reactor for either a lunar or Mars surface power application. For the lunar environment, the reactor and primary coolant loop would be contained in a guard vessel to protect from a loss of primary loop containment. For the Mars environment, all refractory components including the reactor, primary coolant, and power conversion components would be contained in a vacuum vessel for protection against the CO[sub 2] environment. The vacuum would be maintained by an active ion pumping system. These active ion vacuum systems have no moving parts and have a long history of reliable operation.

• OSTI ID: 5535015
• 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. 271:2; ISSN 0094-243X; ISSN APCPCS
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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