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Low-Power Nuclear Energy Conversion for Long-Duration Space Missions

Comparison between Rankine and Brayton Cycles: Dynamic and MHD Power Conversion

  • Conference paper
Space Engineering

Part of the book series: Astrophysics and Space Science Library ((ASSL,volume 15))

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Abstract

Several schemes of converting nuclear reactor energy are compared for overall suitability in long duration space power systems. System power levels under consideration are from 5 kWe to 400 kWe. Suitability is judged on the basis of approximate weight and size, and qualitative reliability as reflected in probability of success.

The four schemes differ in cycle and in power conversion machinery as follows:

  1. (1)

    Dynamic Brayton cycle.

  2. (2)

    Liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic (LMMHD) gas cycle.

  3. (3)

    Dynamic Rankine cycle.

  4. (4)

    LMMHD Rankine cycle.

Two basic methods of using liquid metal MHD energy conversion are compared — continuous acceleration by liquid metal injection into gas phase working fluid, and pulse acceleration of liquid metal slugs by gas phase working fluid.

Three different heat sources are used for the system comparisons: Pu-238 isotope (lightly shielded example), Co-60 isotope (heavily shielded example), and nuclear reactor.

Maximum probable temperature limits are used in the comparison so that all systems can be compared on their best footing.

Reliability is evaluated on the basis of probability of success in solving recognized development problems. The method assumes that all systems can be made reliable enough with sufficient development, but that the severity of technical problems is greater for some systems than others even for a conservative design. Such a method of evaluation is qualitative at present, but is sufficient for rating probable success and probable suitability of candidate space power systems.

It is shown that the dynamic Brayton machine and the two fluid Rankine continuous flow liquid metal MHD system deserve continuing development; that the low temperature dynamic Rankine system should be developed; and that equal emphasis should be placed on liquid metal dynamic Rankine and liquid metal Rankine intermittent flow LMMHD systems as desirable future power conversion devices.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical Technology, Inc., Latham, USA

    John W. Bjerklie

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  1. John W. Bjerklie
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centro Studi Trasporti Missilistici, Rome, Italy

    G. A. Partel

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© 1970 D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht, Holland

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Bjerklie, J.W. (1970). Low-Power Nuclear Energy Conversion for Long-Duration Space Missions. In: Partel, G.A. (eds) Space Engineering. Astrophysics and Space Science Library, vol 15. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-7551-7_35

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-7551-7_35

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-011-7553-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-7551-7

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