Multimegawatt dynamic NEP PMAD study

Conference · Sat Oct 31 23:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:6672068

Metcalf, K J

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 assessment 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.

• Research Organization: Rockwell International Corp., Canoga Park, CA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 6672068
• Report Number(s): N-93-16626; NASA-CR--190764; NAS--1.26:190764; CONF-930103--; CNN: NAS3-25808
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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