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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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The status of the Solar Thermal Power Systems Project for FY 1980 is summarized. Included is: a discussion of the project's goals, program structure, and progress in parabolic dish technology. Analyses and test results of concentrators, receivers, and power converters are discussed. Progress toward the objectives of technology feasibility, technology readiness, system feasibility, and system readiness are covered.
Design and performance of photovoltaic power system on Nimbus 2 spacecraft
Power system design for Jupiter solar electric propulsion spacecraft
Heat rejection radiator mass influence on space nuclear power system, discussing Brayton cycle, thermoelectric and Rankine cycle systems
Development of optimum Mariner spacecraft power system for application to future flyby and orbiter missions
Performance evaluation of Brayton space power system 400-hertz inverters
Design and performance of SERT 2 spacecraft electrical power system
Electric power system with circulatory liquid coolant cooling system
Electric power system with thermionic diodes and circulatory liquid metal coolant lines
Biosatellite hydrogen oxygen fuel cell/silver zinc battery combination power system for long aerospace missions, discussing optimal design tradeoff
Turbo-MHD cycle technology of nuclear electric power systems with high temperature reactor for space and terrestrial applications
A review was made of lightweight mobile nuclear power systems (LMNPS). Data cover technical feasibility studies of LMNPS and airborne vehicles, mission studies, and non-technical conditions that are required to develop and use LMNPS.
The utilization of solar energy for electrical power production was studied. Efforts underway on the central receiver solar thermal power system are presented. Preliminary designs are included of pilot plant utilizing large numbers of heliostats in a collector field. Safety hazards are also discussed, as well as the most beneficial location of such a plant within the United States.
The technology requirements for future orbital power systems were reviewed. Workshops were held in 10 technology disciplines to discuss technology deficiencies, adequacy of current programs to resolve those deficiencies and recommendations for tasks that might reduce the testing and risks involved in future orbital energy systems. Those recommendations are summarized.
Materials illustrating a presentation of the development of power systems are presented. The technology issues and tradeoffs, the role of NASA, and testing requirements are outlined.
An extensive study was conducted at the Lewis Research Center to evaluate an isotope Brayton electric power system for use in the 500 to 2500 W power range. Overall system simplicity was emphasized in order to reduce parasitic power losses and improve system reliability. Detailed parametric cycle analysis, conceptual component designs, and evaluation of system packaging were included. A single-loop system (gas) with six major components including one rotating unit was selected. Calculated net system efficiency varies from 23 to 28 percent over the power range.
A study has been performed on the technical feasibility and cost of a TPV system for an alternative space power supply. An analysis of six previous studies has been performed and a consistent optical, thermal, and electrical model developed. A search of the literature for materials data has been augmented by an experimental test program on materials and breadboard subsystems of the TPV. These data have been used in the model to determine the technical feasibility and the degree of performance that might be expected from such a system. A system design study was then conducted to optimize the launch configuration, the weight, and the cost of the TPV space power system. Results from this study were used to define a specific design which could be used in a detailed cost analysis. A cost analysis was then performed to determine the relative costs of the TPV power system. It appears that a system having a specific power greater than 150 W/kg can be produced for approximately 30 dollars per watt.
Estimates are made for both the performance and the power costs of H2-O2 combustion powered steam-MHD central power systems. Hydrogen gas is assumed to be transmitted by pipe from a remote coal gasifier into the city and converted to electricity in a steam MHD plant having an integral gaseous oxygen plant. These steam MHD systems appear to offer an attractive alternative to both in-city clean fueled conventional steam power plants and to remote coal fired power plants with underground electric transmission into the city.