Vapor cycle energy system for implantable circulatory assist devices. Annual progress report, Jul 1975--May 1976

Technical Report · Sat May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1976

OSTI ID:7324971

Watelet, R P; Ruggles, A E; Hagen, K G

The development status of a heart assist system driven by a nuclear fueled, electronically controlled vapor cycle engine termed the tidal regenerator engine (TRE) is described. The TRE pressurization is controlled by a torque motor coupled to a displacer. The electrical power for the sensor, electronic logic and actuator is provided by thermoelectric modules interposed between the engine superheater and boiler. The TRE is direct coupled to an assist blood pump which also acts as a blood-cooled heat exchanger, pressure-volume transformer and sensor for the electronic logic. Engine cycle efficiency in excess of 14% has been demonstrated routinely. Overall system efficiency on 33 watts of over 9% has been demonstrated. A binary version of this engine in the annular configuration is now being tested. The preliminary tests demonstrated 10% cycle efficiency on the first buildup which ran well and started easily.

• Research Organization: Thermo Electron Corp., Waltham, MA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: N01-HV-4-2909
• OSTI ID: 7324971
• Report Number(s): PB-257751; TE-4182-94-76
• Resource Relation: Other Information: See also PB--246384
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
MECHANICAL HEART
PERFORMANCE TESTING
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
EFFICIENCY
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
HEAT SOURCES
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
PROSTHESES
TESTING
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