Capitalizing on past and future development of high temperature gas reactor (HTGR) technology, a low mass 15 MWe closed gas turbine cycle power system using a pellet bed reactor heating helium working fluid is proposed for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) applications. Although the design of this directly coupled system architecture, comprising the reactor/power system/space radiator subsystems, is presented in conceptual form, sufficient detail is included to permit an assessment of overall system performance and mass. Furthermore, an attempt is made to show how tailoring of the main subsystem design characteristics can be utilized to achieve synergistic system level advantages that can lead to improved reliability and enhanced system life while reducing the number of parasitic load driven peripheral subsytems.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has selected a closed Brayton cycle (CBC) solar dynamic (SD) power conversion system to provide electric power for the growth phase of Space Station Freedom. This selection was based in part on the comparitive reduction in solar radiation collection made possible by the high efficiency, closed Brayton cycle system when compared to the efficiency of static conversion systems. The smaller required collector area results in a significant reduction in drag in the low earth orbit which is planned for the Space Station.
Under contract to the Rocketdyne Division of Rockwell International, the Allied-Signal Aerospace Company, Garrett Fluid Systems Division is developing the Solar Dynamic Power Generating Subsystem (PGS). This subsystem consists of a solar receiver, which accepts sunlight from the multifaceted collector mirror (the concentrator), and a CBC heat engine that converts the solar heat into electricity. This paper will review the design requirements for the Space Station Solar Dynamic Power Module and present results of the PGS cycle analysis and preliminary design.
Water tanks require periodic inspection for signs of deteriorating paint coatings and regular maintenance of exterior and interior finishes. Dark exterior colors appear to degenerate faster than lighter colors and also cause more problems with interior coatings because of solar heat absorption. Methods of inspection are described as are procedures for repainting and recoating tanks.
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