SP-100 reactor with Brayton conversion for lunar surface applications

Conference · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:7024108

Mason, L S; Rodriguez, C D; Mckissock, B I; Hanlon, J C; Mansfield, B C

Examined here is the potential for integrating Brayton-cycle power conversion with the SP-100 reactor for lunar surface power system applications. Two designs were characterized and modeled. The first design integrates a 100-kWe SP-100 Brayton power system with a lunar lander. This system is intended to meet early lunar mission power needs while minimizing on-site installation requirements. Man-rated radiation protection is provided by an integral multilayer, cylindrical lithium hydride/tungsten (LiH/W) shield encircling the reactor vessel. Design emphasis is on ease of deployment, safety, and reliability, while utilizing relatively near-term technology. The second design combines Brayton conversion with the SP-100 reactor in a erectable 550-kWe powerplant concept intended to satisfy later-phase lunar base power requirements. This system capitalizes on experience gained from operating the initial 100-kWe module and incorporates some technology improvements. For this system, the reactor is emplaced in a lunar regolith excavation to provide man-rated shielding, and the Brayton engines and radiators are mounted on the lunar surface and extend radially from the central reactor. Design emphasis is on performance, safety, long life, and operational flexibility.

• Research Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (United States). Lewis Research Center
• OSTI ID: 7024108
• Report Number(s): N-92-32108; NASA-TM-105637; E-6983; NAS-1.15:105637; CONF-920104-; CNN: RTOP 506-49-11
• Resource Relation: Conference: 9. symposium on space nuclear power systems, Albuquerque, NM (United States), 13-16 Jan 1992
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
BRAYTON CYCLE POWER SYSTEMS
DESIGN
SPACE POWER REACTORS
BRAYTON CYCLE
INSTALLATION
LITHIUM HYDRIDES
MOON
OPERATION
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIATORS
RELIABILITY
SAFETY
SERVICE LIFE
SHIELDING
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TUNGSTEN
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
ELEMENTS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HYDRIDES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LIFETIME
LITHIUM COMPOUNDS
METALS
MOBILE REACTORS
POWER REACTORS
POWER SYSTEMS
REACTORS
SATELLITES
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
210600* - Power Reactors
Auxiliary
Mobile Package
& Transportable