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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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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1971

Technology of nuclear-Brayton space power systems

The present technology of Brayton power systems is reviewed. The potential for even higher system efficiency at the 10 KWe level is assessed as well as the potential for comparable efficiency with an output of 1 or 2 KWe. Systems accommodation of isotope decay is briefly discussed. The salient features are described for a Brayton power system based on this technology and employing the ZrH reactor. Reactor lives for this and competitive systems are compared. Growth capability with an advanced reactor is assessed. A concept for application of this technology to driving a gas-dynamic laser is described.

English, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Technology of nuclear-Brayton space power systems.

The present technology of Brayton power systems is reviewed. The potential for even higher system efficiency at the 10 kWe level is assessed as well as the potential for comparable efficiency with an output of 1 or 2 kWe. System accommodation of isotope decay is briefly discussed. The salient features are described for a Brayton power system based on this technology and employing the ZrH reactor. Reactor lives for this and competitive systems are compared. Growth capability with an advanced reactor is assessed. A concept for application of this technology to driving a gas-dynamic laser is described.

English, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Enabling the Space Exploration Initiative - NASA's Exploration Technology Program in space power

Space power requirements for SEI are reviewed, including the results of a NASA 90-day study and reports by the National Research Council, AIAA, NASA, the Advisory Committee on the Future of the U.S. Space Program, and the Synthesis Group. The space power requirements for the SEI robotic missions, lunar spacecraft, Mars spacecraft, and human missions are summarized. Planning for the exploration technology is addressed, including: photovoltaic, chemical, and thermal energy conversion; power management; thermal management; space nuclear power; high-capacity power; power and thermal management for the surface, earth-orbiting platform, and spacecraft; laser power beaming; and mobile surface systems.

Bennett, Gary L.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Ongoing Space Nuclear Activities

Most ongoing US activities related to space nuclear power and propulsion are sponsored by NASA. NASA-spons0red space nuclear work is currently focused on evaluating potential fission surface power (FSP) systems and on radioisotope power systems (RPS). In addition, significant efforts related to nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems have been completed and will provide a starting point for potential future NTP work.

Houts, Michael G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Civil missions applications study

This study collects and categorizes a forecast of ambitious civilian space missions; it also assesses their requirements for power and the application of space nuclear power systems to meet these needs. Although the results of this 1986 study have been recast to reflect recent NASA planning (Ride's Bold New Initiatives), the basic mission and power requirements forecast remain essentially the same. Civil mission applications have been organized into four major areas with one additional topic: (1) Earth orbiting missions (including Space Stations, Earth Observing Missions, and materials processing); (2) Planetary exploration; (3) Manned lunar base; and (4) Manned Mars Mission; plus (5) Extra-solar spacecraft (i.e., the Thousand AU explorer concept).

Mankins, John Carlton↗
NASA NTRS1987

Benefits of 20 kHz PMAD in a nuclear space station

Compared to existing systems, high frequency ac power provides higher efficiency, lower cost, and improved safety benefits. The 20 kHz power system has exceptional flexibility, is inherently user friendly, and is compatible with all types of energy sources; photovoltaic, solar dynamic, rotating machines and nuclear. A 25 kW, 20 kHz ac power distribution system testbed was recently (1986) developed. The testbed possesses maximum flexibility, versatility, and transparency to user technology while maintaining high efficiency, low mass, and reduced volume. Several aspects of the 20 kHz power management and distribution (PMAD) system that have particular benefits for a nuclear power Space Station are discussed.

Sundberg, Gale R.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Radioisotope Power Systems Program Enabling the Power to Explore

Radioisotope power systems (RPS) have been safely providing the power to explore space by the United States for over 60 years. RPS-enabled NASA missions have utilized this space nuclear power to explore planets, moons, and interstellar space, enabling missions to some of the deepest, darkest, and dustiest regions in the solar system and beyond. This extreme exploration has deepened our understanding of the solar system and our role within it. NASA established the RPS Program in 2010 to support these specialized science missions and potential future opportunities more effectively and efficiently. The RPS Program ensures the availability of RPS for the exploration of the solar system in environments where conventional solar or chemical power generation is impractical or impossible. The RPS Program, in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy, continues interagency collaboration to provide robust radioisotope power system solutions to spacecraft that conduct extreme missions for science and exploration. This Program invests in systems and technologies to ensure that NASA maintains this capability well into the future and it manages processes that ensure the safe use and launch of these systems. This paper provides a synopsis of current activities of the RPS Program, which demonstrates a record of successful formal interagency partnering with the DOE.

radioisotope power systems↗
NASA NTRS1985

Static conversion systems

Historically, all space power systems that have actually flown in space have relied on static energy conversion technology. Thus, static conversion is being considered for space nuclear power systems as well. There are four potential static conversion technologies which should be considered. These include: the alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC), the thermionic converter, the thermoelectric converter, and the thermophotovoltaic converter (TPV). These four conversion technologies will be described in brief detail along with their current status and development needs. In addition, the systems implications of using each of these conversion technologies with a space nuclear reactor power system will be evaluated and some comparisons made.

Ewell, R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Evaluation of insulation materials and composites for use in a nuclear radiation environment, phase 1

This study has been carried out to evaluate flight-qualified Saturn 5 materials, components, and systems for use, with or without modification, in the radiation environment of the nuclear flight system. The results reported herein are primarily intended to aid designers in their evaluation and selection of off-the-shelf equipments which may meet the stringent requirements and specifications associated with application on a reusable nuclear powered space system, i.e., the reusable nuclear shuttle. One of the factors which must be evaluated in the design of the RNS is the effects of radiation on materials; and it is toward this aspect of the overall effort that this analysis has been directed.

Greenhow, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Prospects of thermionic power systems

Potential thermionic power systems for space or terrestrial applications are described so that the development goals can be clearly identified. The thermionic power systems considered are a space nuclear power system, a fossil-fuel thermionic topping steam power system, a solar thermionic topping steam power system, and advanced systems. Attention is given to a discussion of the current status of technology development in thermionic converters and associated elements in power systems. Future prospects of thermionic power systems are also discussed. It is concluded that thermionic conversion has a great potential for a variety of applications.

Shimada, K.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Radioisotope Power Systems Program: Status Update

Radioisotope power systems (RPS) have safely been in use in the United States for over 60 years. RPS-enabled NASA missions have utilized space nuclear power to explore planets, moons, and interstellar space. This exploration resulted in changes to our understanding of our Solar System and our place within it. In 2010, NASA HQ established a NASA program to invest in RPS technologies and systems that could enable future missions. The RPS Program ensures the availability of RPS for the exploration of the solar system in environments where conventional solar or chemical power generation is impractical or impossible. The RPS Program, in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy continues to operate as an interagency partnership to provide robust power system solutions to spacecrafts that conduct missions for exploration and science that otherwise would not be feasible. This paper provides a synopsis of current activities after well over a decade of formal interagency partnering.

Radioisotope↗
NASA NTRS2020

Operational Considerations for Fission Reactors Utilized on Lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization Missions: A Report to the Nuclear Power & Propulsion Technical Discipline Team

This report identifies the considerations related to the operation of space nuclear power reactors that would be utilized for In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) missions on the lunar surface. The objective of this study is to evaluate the operational complexities of reactors that would provide electrical and thermal power to a growing lunar ISRU and mining outpost/base.

Fission reactor↗
NASA NTRS1994

Overview of space power electronic's technology under the CSTI High Capacity Power Program

The Civilian Space Technology Initiative (CSTI) is a NASA Program targeted at the development of specific technologies in the areas of transportation, operations and science. Each of these three areas consists of major elements and one of the operation's elements is the High Capacity Power element. The goal of this element is to develop the technology base needed to meet the long duration, high capacity power requirements for future NASA initiatives. The High Capacity Power element is broken down into several subelements that includes energy conversion in the areas of the free piston Stirling power converter and thermoelectrics, thermal management, power management, system diagnostics, and environmental compatibility and system's lifetime. A recent overview of the CSTI High capacity Power element and a description of each of the program's subelements is given by Winter (1989). The goals of the Power Management subelement are twofold. The first is to develop, test, and demonstrate high temperature, radiation-resistant power and control components and circuits that will be needed in the Power Conditioning, Control and Transmission (PCCT) subsystem of a space nuclear power system. The results obtained under this goal will also be applicable to the instrumentation and control subsystem of a space nuclear reactor. These components and circuits must perform reliably for lifetimes of 7-10 years. The second goal is to develop analytical models for use in computer simulations of candidate PCCT subsystems. Circuits which will be required for a specific PCCT subsystem will be designed and built to demonstrate their performance and, also, to validate the analytical models and simulations. The tasks under the Power Management subelement will now be described in terms of objectives, approach and present status of work.

Schwarze, Gene E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Power conditioning for space nuclear reactor systems

This paper addresses the power conditioning subsystem for both Stirling and Brayton conversion of space nuclear reactor systems. Included are the requirements summary, trade results related to subsystem implementation, subsystem description, voltage level versus weight, efficiency and operational integrity, components selection, and shielding considerations. The discussion is supported by pertinent circuit and block diagrams. Summary conclusions and recommendations derived from the above studies are included.

Berman, Baruch↗