Multi Megawatt Power System Analysis Report

Longhurst, Glen Reed ; Harvego, Edwin Allan ; Schnitzler, Bruce Gordon ; Seifert, Gary Dean ; Sharpe, John Phillip ; Verrill, Donald Alan ; Watts, Kenneth Donald ; Parks, Benjamin Travis

Idaho National Laboratory

关键词: Nuclear Power;    Radiators;    Nesdps Office Of Nuclear Energy Space And Defense Power Systems;    Propulsion;    Potassium;   

DOI  :  10.2172/910682
RP-ID  :  INEEL/EXT-01-00938
RP-ID  :  DE-AC07-99ID-13727
RP-ID  :  910682

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Missions to the outer planets or to near-by planets requiring short times and/or increased payload carrying capability will benefit from nuclear power. A concept study was undertaken to evaluate options for a multi-megawatt power source for nuclear electric propulsion. The nominal electric power requirement was set at 15 MWe with an assumed mission profile of 120 days at full power, 60 days in hot standby, and another 120 days of full power, repeated several times for 7 years of service. Of the numerous options considered, two that appeared to have the greatest promise were a gas-cooled reactor based on the NERVA Derivative design, operating a closed cycle Brayton power conversion system; and a molten lithium-cooled reactor based on SP-100 technology, driving a boiling potassium Rankine power conversion system. This study examined the relative merits of these two systems, seeking to optimize the specific mass. Conclusions were that either concept appeared capable of approaching the specific mass goal of 3-5 kg/kWe estimated to be needed for this class of mission, though neither could be realized without substantial development in reactor fuels technology, thermal radiator mass efficiency, and power conversion and distribution electronics and systems capable of operating at high temperatures. Though the gas-Brayton systems showed an apparent advantage in specific mass, differences in the degree of conservatism inherent in the models used suggests expectations for the two approaches may be similar. Brayton systems eliminate the need to deal with two-phase flows in the microgravity environment of space.