Applications of Brayton cycle technology to space power

The Closed Brayton Cycle (CBC) power conversion cycle can be used with a wide range of heat sources for space power applications. These heat sources include solar concentrator, radioisotope, and reactor. With a solar concentrator, a solar dynamic ground demonstration test using existing Brayton components is being assembled for testing at NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC). This 2-kWe system has a turbine inlet temperature of 1015 K and is a complete end-to-end simulation of the Space Station Freedom solar dynamic design. With a radioisotope heat source, a 1-kWe Dynamic Isotope Power System (DIPS) is under development using an existing turboalternator compressor (TAC) for testing at the same NASA-LeRC facility. This DIPS unit is being developed as a replacement to Radioisotopic Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) to conserve the Pu-238 supply for interplanetary exploration. With a reactor heat source, many studies have been performed coupling the SP-100 reactor with a Brayton power conversion cycle. Applications for this reactor/CBC system include global communications satellites and electric propulsion for interplanetary exploration. applications. The CBC consists of a heater, turboalternator compressor (TAC), cooler, and recuperator. A mixture of He and Xe is used as the working fluid in the CBC system. The He provides superior heat transfer characteristics in the heater, cooler, and recuperator. The Xe adjusts the molecular weight to provide superior aerodynamic performance for maximized turbine and compressor efficiency. Cycle studies are performed to select the optimum He/Xe molecular weight or He to Xe mixture ratio. The following presents the characteristics and advantages of using the CBC for space power applications, CBC development status, characteristics and applications of the CBC with each of the heat sources, and finally performance projections     

First Mars outpost power systems

Research into potential power systems for the First Mars Outpost (FMO) was performed. The author examined a representative mission architecture which was developed by NASA to determine power system requirements. Power system options including nuclear, isotope, photovoltaic (PV), chemical heat engine, and regenerative fuel cell (RFC) concepts were identified for potential Mars surface applications. A top-level characterization study was conducted to determine power system mass and area for each application. It is seen that PV systems are generally not suited for Mars surface applications due to the large surface area required and higher mass than a closed Brayton cycle SP100 reactor system. A reactor is currently being considered by NASA Lewis Research Center to provide power for base architectures including an ISRU (in situ resource utilization). An oxygen/methane powered heat engine would provide 40 kWe of emergency power for the habitat. A dynamic isotope power system (DIPS) is the current choice for a long-duration pressurized rover due to the excessive size of a PV/RFC system and higher mass of a heat engine system. DIPS has advantages for other low power systems due to its neatly immediate availability and flexibility (night or day power; no recharging required)     

Integration of Large Power Systems into Manned Space Stations

Essential design factors and system characteristics are explored for integration of large power systems into manned space stations. The impact of the type of power system selected upon the space station is outlined, as is the impact of the mission requirements upon the selection of power systems. Criteria for resolving the selection/application/ integration problems are provided. Comparisons between systems are based on recently defined space-station models for 90-day to five-year mission durations in the 1970' s, with four-to nine-man crews. Power systems encompass power levels from 3 to 50 kWe and include solar cell/battery. fuel cell, hybrid fuel cell/solar cell, radioisotope, and nuclear reactor systems. Thermoelectric, Brayton cycle, organic Rankine, and liquid-metal Rankine power conversion systems are considered for the nuclear energy sources. Both rigid and roll-out photovoltaic array configurations are analyzed with respect to the solar energy source.     

Ultra-lightweight space power from hybrid thin-film solar cells

The development of hybrid inorganic/organic thin-film solar cells on flexible, lightweight, space-qualified, durable substrates provides an attractive solution for space power generation with high mass specific power (W/kg). The high-volume, low-cost fabrication potential of organic cells will allow for square miles of solar cell production at one-tenth the cost of conventional inorganic materials. Plastic solar cells take a minimum of storage space and can be inflated or unrolled for deployment. We explore a cross-section of NASA in-house and sponsored research efforts that aim to provide new hybrid technologies that include both inorganic and polymer materials as active and substrate materials. For NASA applications, any solar cell or array technology must not only meet weight and AMO efficiency goals, but also must be durable enough to survive launch and space environments. Also, balance of system technologies must be developed to take advantage of ultra-lightweight solar arrays in power generation systems.     

Nonsteady behaviour of solar dynamic power systems with Stirling cycle for space stations

In the first part of this paper, a solar dynamic power system with a Stirling engine for space station application is described. Its unsteady behaviour is theoretically modelled and numerically simulated for four representative orbit configurations. The results are compared to that of a solar dynamic power module with a Brayton gas turbine.In the second part, it is shown that the complex nonsteady behaviour of solar dynamic power modules with either the Brayton cycle or Stirling cycle can be analysed in a simplified way with sufficient accuracy for practical purposes on the basis of parametrizations and simple energy balances.     

Space power-whats old is new again

The nation is presently seeking smaller and faster space missions that cost less. Furthermore, there is pressure to spin off technologies into the commercial sector as well as spin in technologies to the space program. In this environment, ideas that were dismissed in the past have come to the forefront again. This paper discusses high performance photovoltaic devices, solar dynamic systems, new batteries and power management and distribution schemes. Spin offs of power technologies are impacting aeronautical, terrestrial and naval applications as well. It is believed that interactions with terrestrial commercial industries will lead to deeper understanding of how to reduce space costs as well as increasing quality and reliability     

Analysis of an Out-of-Core Thermionic Space Power System

Conceptual designs of out-of-core thermionic space power generators using heat pipes have been produced for various powers, temperatures, and constraints or parameter values. Since major impediments to inpile thermionic systems are alleviated or eliminated in the out-of-core concepts, a competitive degree of feasibility and competitive specific masses are adequate to establish the need for emphasis on these systems in future studies and development activities. Feasibility in the six cases shown here in conceptual detail appears to be limited only by lithium heat-pipe feasibility and a favorable outcome of current technology development of UN, W, and Li materials in the temperature range considered. For example, one man-rated system at 300 kWe and 1800°K shows a specific mass of 8 kg/kWe and will accommodate an 18-meter payload at a 50-meter distance.     

Design of the Space Station Freedom power system

The design of Space Station Freedom's electric power system (EPS) is reviewed, highlighting the key design goals of performance, low cost, reliability, and safety. The EPS design is divided into three separate areas: power generation and storage, power distribution, and power management and control. Both photovoltaic and solar dynamic power generation and storage systems are used. Tradeoff study results that illustrate the competing factors responsible for many of the more important design decisions are discussed. Reliability and maintainability, as well as verification and testing, are addressed     

空间发电系统热能储存容器的二维模型

高温熔盐相变储热是空间太阳能热动力发电系统的关键技术之一。基于微重力状态下的传热控制微分方程, 采用焓法对相变材料容器进行了二维数值分析。建立了一种新的空穴模型, 改进了以往的模拟计算, 对计算结果给予了讨论。      

重力姿轨耦合效应引起的太阳能电站轨道共振

以任意相控阵天线式空间太阳能电站为研究对象,主要研究了其在轨运行过程中受到的重力姿轨耦合效应对其轨道运动的影响。首先,通过Hamilton原理建立起考虑重力姿轨耦合效应时的姿态运动和轨道运动的方程。其中,任意相控阵天线式空间太阳能电站被简化成刚体,它的重力势能以其结构尺寸和其轨道半径的比值为小量进行泰勒展开,并保留至二阶项。之后,采用解析的方法对方程进行分析,并发现当电站的姿态运动满足一定条件时,其轨道运动将会出现共振现象。此外,重力姿轨耦合效应还会引起空间太阳能电站轨道运动长期的漂移,通过选择合适的轨道运动初始条件可以消除漂移;而且,在一定条件下,重力姿轨耦合效应还会引起轨道运动的发散。最后,数值仿真结果验证了分析的正确性。     

空间站太阳能吸热器蓄热性能地面模拟试验

利用相变材料 (PCM)的熔化潜热来蓄热可以保证空间站太阳能热动力系统在轨道的阴影期内仍能连续发电。针对这一核心技术 ,建立了空间太阳能吸热 -储热器单元换热器地面模拟实验台。在模拟轨道条件下 ,对不同入射热流、不同工质进口温度及不同工质流量进行了多种组合测试。结果表明 ,单管工质气体的出口温升在轨道的日照期和阴影期都达到了预期的要求 ,相变材料容器的最高温度和平均温度都处于材料的安全范围内。     

Thermionic/AMTEC cascade converter concept for high-efficiencyspace power

This paper presents trade studies that address the use of the thermionic/AMTEC cell-a cascaded, high efficiency, static power conversion concept that appears well-suited to space power applications. Both the thermionic and AMTEC power conversion approaches have been shown to be promising candidates for space power. Thermionics offers system compactness via modest efficiency at high heat rejection temperatures, and AMTEC offers high efficiency at modest heat rejection temperature. From a thermal viewpoint, the two are ideally suited for cascaded power conversion: thermionic heat rejection and AMTEC heat source temperatures are essentially the same. In addition to realizing conversion efficiencies potentially as high as 35-40% such a cascade offers the following perceived benefits: Survivability-capable of operation in the Van Allen belts; Simplicity-static conversion, no moving parts; Long lifetime-no inherent life-limiting mechanisms identified; Technology readiness-Large thermionic database; AMTEC efficiencies of 18% currently being demonstrated, with more growth potential available; and Technology growth-applicable to both solar thermal and reactor-based nuclear space power systems. Mechanical approaches and thermal/electric matching criteria for integrating thermionics and AMTEC into a single conversion device are described. Focusing primarily on solar thermal space power applications, parametric trends are presented to show the performance and cost potential that should be achievable with present-day technology in cascaded thermionic/AMTEC systems     

Space Station power requirements and issues

This paper provides an overview of the Space Station configuration and summarizes the requirements, architecture, and significant challenges associated with the electrical power system (EPS). The Space Station configuration was baselined during the systems design review (SDR) process in March, 1994. The current configuration includes the addition of Russia as an international partner, resulting in major changes to the assembly sequence, pressurized module complement, and overall power architecture. The Russian contributions to the power system architecture, as well as an-overview and development status of the US provided elements is presented. Finally, a planned flight demonstration of solar dynamic power system on the Mir as part of the first phase of US/Russian cooperation in human space flight is described     

空间站高温固液相变蓄热容器的实验研究

相变材料(PCM)容器是空间太阳能动力装置吸热—储热器的关键部件。吸热器的蓄/放热性能及其寿命取决于PCM容器的设计与制造是否可靠。文中对PCM容器的结构设计及其制造工艺、PCM的充装工艺、PCM的熔化—凝固特性和空穴的形成、PCM熔点及相变潜热的测量以及PCM与容器材料的相容性这些关键问题进行了试验研究。      

Enhanced Power Generation of GSS4PS by Optical Solar Reflectors

A novel arrangement is proposed to enhance the power generation capabilities of a gravitationally stabilized solid-state-satellite solar-power station (GSS4PS) spherical solar collector. The unilluminated portion of a GSS4PS is illuminated by employing optical solar reflectors. The different mechanisms required for implementation of this arrangement are already space proven. The detailed study of this arrangement made by the authors reveals that practical realization of this concept will enhance the power generation capability of the GSS4PS and simultaneously reduce the weight per unit power and cost per unit power in GSS4PS spherical solar collectors.     

Enhanced Power Generation by Optical Solar Reflectors on Geostationary Spinners

A novel arrangement is proposed to enhance the power generating capabilities of a spin stabilized geostationary satellite (spinner). The unilluminated solar array area of the usual spinner (as sunlight falls on only one side) is illuminated by employing despun optical solar reflectors. The different mechanisms required for implementation of this arrangement are already space proven. The detailed study of this arrangement made by the authors reveals that the practical realization of this concept will enhance the power generating capability of the spinner and simultaneously reduce the weight (per unit power) and cost (per unit power) in such spinners.     

太阳能/氢能无人机总体设计与能源管理策略研究

针对小型低空长航时电动无人机需求,给出了太阳能/氢能混合能源动力系统集成方案和小型低空长航时无人机构型。针对典型任务剖面,综合考虑太阳能电池和氢燃料电池特性,提出了一种考虑全机重量能量耦合关系的总体设计方法和任务剖面驱动的能源管理策略;建立了能源系统模型,给出了能源控制流程,开发了能源管理仿真平台。以1.5 kg任务载荷为例,完成了无人机总体方案设计,仿真分析了各种能源特性对飞行结果的影响。结果表明:能源管理策略能够根据任务剖面的要求合理配置能源系统的功率,满足各阶段的功率需求;无人机在冬至日航时为21 h、夏至日可实现跨昼夜飞行;在能源系统重量相同情况下,该混合能源无人机的航时分别是纯锂电池无人机和燃料电池无人机的5.5倍和1.2倍。     

Conception of spacecraft centralized power supply

A reliable power supply for spacecraft is one of the central problems determining the future development of space technology. The traditional solution to this problem implies having an autonomous power plant on board each spacecraft. The most widely used are power plants with solar cells. However, there exists an alternative power supply concept of using a centralized power supply system (CPSS) and power transmission to the user satellites by laser or microwave beams. Use of a CPSS has a number of advantages. In particular, it allows the spacecraft to increase power supply level and service life as well as to decrease the spacecraft mass and cost. However, it sets new physical and technical problems associated with long distance power transmission and requires some changes in spacecraft structure and concepts. The feasibility study of CPSS development and use has to rely on existing or firmly forecastable technologies. An attempt of such an analysis has been done by a group of scientists at Moscow State Aviation Institute during 1994-1996. The very first results have already been published. This paper discusses new results obtained lately regarding a space based CPSS     

离散时间T-S动态故障树在民用飞机辅助动力装置系统安全性评估中的应用研究

辅助动力装置（APU）是安装于飞机上的、用于提供辅助动力源的、自成体系的小型发动机。在民用飞机APU系统安全性评估过程中,逐步采用动态故障树对传统故障树进行优化,使故障树分析结果能够更加精确地体现系统失效的动态特性。不同于传统故障树可以根据布尔逻辑求解,动态故障树一般需要转化为同构的状态空间模型才能求解。这种求解过程欠缺通用性,并且存在指数爆炸问题。采用离散时间T S动态故障树计算方法,计算了APU系统故障树中的一段子树的顶事件的失效概率,并与使用马尔可夫模型计算的结果进行比较。计算结果发现随着任务时间分段的增加,相对误差单调下降。当任务时间分段大于5时,相对误差小于1%,在计算精度满足要求的情况下能够显著降低计算成本。