Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “space power”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Space power stations - Space construction, transportation, and pre-development, space project requirements

Several features of solar energy space power stations are discussed. An end-to-end analysis of a system using silicon solar cells is reviewed, and the merits of construction in low earth orbit and in geosynchronous orbit are compared. A suggested space construction procedure, described in detail, would use a 'beam builder', an automated machine, to fabricate the first sublevel truss structural members from strip stock material that is stored on reels. An assembly jig would then be used to position a number of beam builders in the proper location and to support the beams as they are produced to facilitate joining them to form the final space power station structure. Space projects for evaluating the construction concept are proposed, and a possible space construction sequence is considered. Space transportation that would be required in conjunction with the space power station is described.

Piland, R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Space power for space

The total energy demanded by space missions of the future is expected to exceed past needs by orders of magnitude. The unit costs of this energy must be reduced from present levels if these missions are to be carried out at projected budget levels. The broad employment of electric propulsion and the capability to utilize novel high power sensors hinge on the availability of systems lighter by factors of ten or more than have flown to date. The NASA program aimed at providing the technological basis to meet these demands is described in this paper. Research and technology efforts in areas of energy conversion, storage and management are covered. In addition, work aimed at evolving the understanding necessary to cope with space environment interactions and at advanced concepts is described.

Mullin, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Laser power transmission for space power and propulsion

An early status report is presented for a review being made of the state of development of major components and subsystems required for ground-to-space, space-to-space, or space-to-ground laser power transmission for electric or thermal power or propulsion. System characteristics are being evaluated from an applications viewpoint, and major problem areas are being identified. The object is to identify a rewarding first application of lasers for space power and propulsion. An evolution of laser power transmission capabilities over the next 20 years is projected. Supporting technology requirements are to be identified, priorities set, and continued developments coordinated with other government agencies.

Brantley, L. W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The 0.040-scale space shuttle orbiter base heating model tests in the Lewis Research Center space power facility

Space shuttle base heating tests were conducted using a 0.040-scale model in the Plum Brook Space Power Facility of The NASA Lewis Research Center. The tests measured heat transfer rates, pressure distributions, and gas recovery temperatures on the orbiter vehicle 2A base configuration resulting from engine plume impingement. One hundred and sixty-eight hydrogen-oxygen engine firings were made at simulated flight altitudes ranging from 120,000 to 360,000 feet.

Dezelick, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Application of high power lasers to space power and propulsion

The transmission of laser power over long distances for applications such as direct conversion to propulsive thrust or electrical power is considered. Factors discussed include: problems inherent in transmitting, propagating, and receiving the laser beam over long ranges; high efficiency, closed-cycle, continuous wave operation; advancement of CO2 laser technology; and compatibility with photovoltaic power conversion devices.

Nored, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Status of the NASA Space Power Program

The NASA Space Power Research and Technology Program has the objective to provide the technological basis for satisfying the nation's future needs regarding electrical power in space. The development of power sources of low mass and increased environmental resistance is considered. Attention is given to advances in the area of photovoltaic energy conversion, improved Ni-Cd battery components, a nickel-hydrogen battery, remotely activated silver-zinc and lithium-water batteries, the technology of an advanced water electrolysis/regenerative fuel cell system, aspects of thermal-to-electric conversion, environmental interactions, multi-kW low cost systems, and high-performance systems.

Mullin, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1977

High temperature materials for space power systems

Future space power systems will largely be nuclear-driven or solar-driven Brayton cycle or thermionic converter systems. This paper presents some of the limited data available on the long-time properties of the superalloys and refractory metals that will have to be used in large parts of these systems. These data include vaporization rates of pure metals as a function of temperature, extrapolated stress for 1 percent creep in 10 years for selected superalloys, vacuum creep behavior of Mar M-509 at 900 C and 110 MN/sq m, extrapolated stress for 1 percent creep in 10 years for refractory alloys, and approximate useful temperature ranges for superalloys and refractory metals.

Gangler, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The economic viability of pursuing a space power system concept

The development of a space power system requires no fundamental technological breakthroughs. There are, however, uncertainties regarding the degree to which necessary developments can be achieved or exceeded. An analysis is conducted concerning the implementation of a 5000 MW space-based solar power system based on photovoltaic conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. The solar array is about 13 km long and 5 km wide. Placed in geosynchronous orbit, it provides power to the earth for 30 years. Attention is given to the economic feasibility of a space power system, a risk analysis for space power systems, and the use of the presented methodology for comparing alternative technology development programs.

Hazelrigg, G. A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Progress in space power technology

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Space Power Research and Technology Program has the objective of providing the technology base for future space power systems. The current technology program which consists of photovoltaic energy conversion, chemical energy conversion and storage, thermal-to-electric conversion, power systems management and distribution, and advanced energetics is discussed. In each area highlights, current programs, and near-term directions will be presented.

Mullin, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Zirconium Hydride Space Power Reactor design.

The Zirconium Hydride Space Power Reactor being designed and fabricated at Atomics International is intended for a wide range of potential applications. Throughout the program a series of reactor designs have been evaluated to establish the unique requirements imposed by coupling with various power conversion systems and for specific applications. Current design and development emphasis is upon a 100 kilowatt thermal reactor for application in a 5 kwe thermoelectric space power generating system, which is scheduled to be fabricated and ground tested in the mid 70s. The reactor design considerations reviewed in this paper will be discussed in the context of this 100 kwt reactor and a 300 kwt reactor previously designed for larger power demand applications.

Asquith, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Isotope Brayton space power systems and their technology

The objectives of the NASA Brayton Space Power Program and the advantages of achieving an isotope Brayton space power system are enumerated. The paper describes the 2-15 kWe Brayton engine, its subsystems, and major components and summarizes the status of the test program. Two areas of Brayton constituent technology are discussed-gas bearings and heat exchangers. A summary is given of a 500-2500 W isotope Brayton space power system study that showed very attractive performance, simplicity, and low cost for a system in this power range.

Schwartz, H.↗