Comparison of nuclear and solar power plants with turboelectric generators for application in space

The aim of the analysis is to determine and to compare the specific mass of nuclear and solar power plants for application in space depending on technological data as well as on data subject to the mission.On the basis of the known theory of Ruppe and Blumenberg[1–3], nuclear power plants with turboelectric generators as well as solar-thermal power plants with parabolic or spheric mirrors are being analysed. The following thermodynamic processes are applied: the Rankine process, the Brayton process and—as an ideal comparative process—the Carnot process. An important parameter of the analysis for nuclear power plants is the net electric power, for the solar-thermal power plant the distance to the sun is of importance.     

Very high delta-V missions to the edge of the solar system and beyond enabled by the dual-stage 4-grid ion thruster concept

A new and innovative type of gridded ion thruster, the “Dual-Stage 4-Grid” or DS4G concept, has been proposed and its predicted high performance validated under an ESA research, development and test programme. The DS4G concept is able to operate at very high specific impulse and thrust density values well in excess of conventional 3-grid ion thrusters at the expense of a higher power-to-thrust ratio. This makes it a possible candidate for ambitious missions requiring very high delta-V capability and high power. Such missions include 100 kW-level multi-ton probes based on nuclear and solar electric propulsion (SEP) to distant Kuiper Belt Object and inner Oort cloud objects, and to the Local Interstellar medium. In this paper, the DS4G concept is introduced and its application to this mission class is investigated. Benefits of using the DS4G over conventional thrusters include reduced transfer time and increased payload mass, if suitably advanced lightweight power system technologies are developed.A mission-level optimisation is performed (launch, spacecraft system design and low-thrust trajectory combined) in order to find design solutions with minimum transfer time, maximum scientific payload mass, and to explore the influence of power system specific mass. It is found that the DS4G enables an 8-ton spacecraft with a payload mass of 400 kg, equipped with a 65 kW nuclear reactor with specific mass 25 kg/kW (e.g. Topaz-type with Brayton cycle conversion) to reach 200 AU in 23 years after an Earth escape launch by Ariane 5. In this scenario, the optimum specific impulse for the mission is over 10,000 s, which is well within the capabilities of a single 65 kW DS4G thruster. It is also found that an interstellar probe mission to 200 AU could be accomplished in 25 years using a “medium-term” SEP system with a lightweight 155 kW solar array (2 kg/kW specific mass) and thruster PPU (3.7 kg/kW) and an Earth escape launch on Ariane 5. In this case, the optimum specific impulse is lower at 3500 s which is well within conventional gridded ion thruster capability.     

Extrasolar solar-sail trajectories and dark matter

Hyper-thin, high-speed solar-photon sail space probes exploring the Sun?s Oort comet cloud could also be used to set an upper bound to the concentration of WIMPS (weakly interacting massive particles), one of the suggested (but unconfirmed) forms of dark matter within the vicinity of the solar system. Newton?s Shell Theorem would be applied to determine variations in apparent solar mass as the probe moves further out from the Sun. Application of this technique to the trajectories of Pioneer 10/11 reveals that the upper limit to WIMP concentration within ~60 AU of the Sun is ~0.2 Earth masses, as revealed in studies of the Pioneer Anomaly. If the published accuracy of the Pioneer acceleration measurements can be increased by an order of magnitude, probe trajectory measurements out to ~10,000 AU may confirm or falsify the hypothesis that WIMP mass within the solar vicinity is ~3X star mass. It is shown that a space-manufactured ~40-nm thick beryllium hollow-body solar sail deployed from a ~0.07 AU perihelion is a candidate spacecraft for such a mission. Possible science-team organization strategy for a ~100-year mission to ~10,000 AU is discussed.     

Possible causes of the discrepancy between the predicted and observed parameters of high-speed solar wind streams

We have considered the possible causes of discrepancies between the predicted and observed at 1 AU parameters of the recurrent solar wind (SW) streams in the maximum of the 24th solar cycle. These discrepancies have been observed in both the SW velocity profile and the SW stream arrival time, as well as in the absence of the expected high-speed SW stream. The degree of discrepancy depends on the model used for the SW prediction; however, in some cases, different prediction methods provide a similar discrepancy with the observed SW parameters at 1 AU. For several cases, we show that the probable cause of the discrepancies can be a deflection of the high-speed SW stream from the radial direction due to the interaction with the transient SW streams at certain configuration of the magnetic fields of high-speed and transient SW sources in the solar corona.     

空间闭式布雷顿循环旁路调节特性分析

闭式布雷顿循环是未来空间大功率热电转换的有效途径,而旁路调节是实现系统快速功率调节和转速控制的有效手段.通过对标美国普罗米修斯计划中的热电转换系统参数,进行了涡轮、压气机的气动设计和换热器性能计算,获得了包括组件特性、管道布局的热电转换系统动态仿真模型.基于该动态模型,对旁通阀不同响应时间、开度对系统功率、转速和循环温...     

Solar Orbiter—Heat shield and system technology

Solar Orbiter will enhance our knowledge of the Sun by observations and in situ measurements as close as 0.22 AU from our star. Placed on an orbit with a period two-thirds the one of Venus, Solar Orbiter will use the many encounters with the planet to gradually incline its orbit and gain view on the Sun's poles. The permanent in situ observations will be associated to remote-sensing observations over large parts of the orbits.ESA Science Directorate has awarded in parallel two Solar Orbiter Heat Shield and System Technology contracts to industry. This paper presents the achievements of Thales Alenia Space thanks to one of these two ESA contracts.It shows how the main technical challenge brought by the heat flux of 20 solar constants has been addressed by the system and heat shield design. The design and manufacturing of a breadboard of the heat shield in view of thermal test verification is then reported. The main technological developments and residual risks are assessed, paving the way for the definition phase of the program.     

基于混杂非对称复合材料的自适应对日定向器

提出并设计了一种基于混杂非对称复合材料层合板的新型自适应对日定向器。该对日定向器采用混杂非对称复合材料层合板作为驱动元件,利用在轨光照条件的变化引起复合材料层合板温度变化,进而使其产生热变形并驱动太阳翼发生偏转。提出的自适应对日定向器结合传统的单自由度对日定向机构,能够实现太阳能帆板的双自由度对日定向。介绍了自适应对日定向器的基本原理,并结合地球静止轨道的光照条件进行了具体设计。利用能量变分原理建立了混杂非对称复合材料的热变形模型,分析其热变形特点,并利用有限元方法对定向器在地球静止轨道上的温度场特性、热变形及对日定向转动角度进行分析。有限元分析结果表明,通过合理设计,自适应对日定向器的转角能够随太阳光入射角变化呈线性变化,定向精度可达±1°。     

月面巡视探测器太阳帆板热电耦合仿真计算

文章建立了月面巡视探测器太阳帆板热电耦合计算模型,制定了太阳帆板的对日定向方案和输出电能分配方案。通过数值模拟获得了月面白昼期间太阳帆板的温度及电能输出,分析了太阳帆板背面包覆隔热材料前后及帆板是否对日定向的计算结果。计算表明:当帆板不对日定向时,其背面包覆隔热材料对其温度及电能输出无明显影响;对日定向时,帆板温度随时间的分布规律发生了明显改变,此时帆板背面包覆隔热材料使其温度明显上升,但帆板正面与背面的温差减小。     

采用太阳电池阵和储能飞轮的电源系统设计与分析

飞轮储能装置具有比能量高、寿命长、任务期内无衰减等优点,可替代航天器中传统的化学储能装置。为论证太阳电池阵-储能飞轮电源系统的可行性,本文从航天器总体设计的角度分析了其关键设计要素,论述了其对航天器机、电、热等方面的影响,并给出提高系统可行性的合理化建议,以及针对低轨卫星的太阳电池阵-储能飞轮电源系统的设计举例。通过与传统电源系统的技术指标对比分析,表明太阳电池阵-储能飞轮电源系统具有较高的比功率,并在降低航天器质量、节约发射成本方面具有很大优势,在未来航天器的应用中具有很大的潜力。     

混合比影响爆震波点火器工作过程之实验研究

爆震波点火器用于工程，其设计存在一个最佳结合点，使得在合适的管路中，爆震波传播速度、转捩距离、爆震波能量等能够符合点火器目标需求。为了研制适用于工程的爆震波点火器，在氢氧爆震波点火器基本特性试验的基础上，对初始混合气体的混合比等与爆震波特性的关系进行了研究。对实验结果进行分析认为。混合比对爆燃爆震转捩（DDT）距离影响较大，混合比大于3时，其转捩距离小于500mm。混合比增加时，爆震波传播速度会减小，但稳定的爆震波相对于波的混气的马赫数并小减小，维持在4．8左右。在初始混气压力不变情况下，质量流量可以提高爆震波能量，增强爆震波的点火能力。研究结论时爆震波点火器在工程中实际应用及以后的研究方向具有指导性作出。     

太阳闪烁影响下的星际通信链路参数设计

针对太阳闪烁作用于星际通信链路而产生的幅度闪烁、频谱扩展、相位闪烁、时延扩展问题,提出一种适用于星际通信链路的参数设计方法。该方法根据通信链路与太阳的几何关系,计算太阳风中等离子体作用于无线电波的幅度统计特性、时间谱特性,将计算结果作为通信链路的频率选择、传输信号带宽设计、调制方式选择、锁相环路带宽设计的约束条件,并以某空间探测任务为例进行了S、X、Ka三种频段下的信号传输性能仿真分析,结果表明,在太阳闪烁指数m<0.3的情况下,采用Ka频段+8PSK调制相结合的方式,对于太阳闪烁的抵抗能力最强。该方法设计的参数能够降低太阳闪烁对通信链路的影响,可作为工程实际系统设计的参照。     

Solar particle events and the International Space Station

The high inclination orbit for the International Space Station poses a risk to astronauts on EVA during occasional periods of enhanced high energy particle flux from the sun known as Solar Particle Events. We are currently unable to predict these events within the few-hour lead time required for evasive action. Compounding the threat is the fact that station construction occurs during increasing solar activity and through the peak of the solar cycle. In this paper we present an overview of the risk, the current methods to provide forecasts of SPEs, and potential risk mitigation options.     

太阳系边际探测飞行任务规划

针对太阳系边际探测任务,开展了星际多目标飞越的任务规划,采用小推力混合优化设计方法完成了基于借力飞行及电推进技术的行星际转移轨道联合优化设计,对比研究了面向日球层鼻尖和尾部探测的星际多目标探测飞行方案.研究表明,探测器在2024-2025年发射,可飞抵日球层鼻尖区域,在2027-2030年发射可飞抵日球层尾部区域,并可...     

Heat storage and electricity generation in the Moon during the lunar night

One of the biggest challenges of the exploration of the Moon is the survival of the crew and the lunar assets during the lunar night. The environmental conditions on the lunar surface and its cycle, with long periods of darkness, make any long mission in need of specific amounts of heat and electricity to be successful. We have analyzed two different systems to produce heat and electricity on the Moon's surface. The first system consists of Thermal Wadis, sources of thermal power that can be used to supply heat to protect the exploration systems from the extreme cold during periods of darkness. Previous results showed that Wadis can supply enough heat to keep lunar devices such as rovers above their minimum operating temperature (approximately 243 K). The second system studied here is the Thermal Energy Storage (TES), which is able to run a heat engine during the lunar night to produce electricity. When the Sun is shining on the Moon's surface, the system can run the engine directly using the solar power and simultaneously heat a thermal mass. This thermal mass is used as a high temperature source to run the heat engine during the night. We present analytical and numerical calculations for the determination of an appropriate thermal mass for the TES system.     

The heliospheric magnetic field and its relation to the temperature,density, and velocity of solar plasma: Experimental evidence

Using daily and hourly data on solar plasma parameters at the Ulysses spacecraft orbit and at 1 AU it is demonstrated that there is a simple relationship between plasma temperature and density with the heliospheric magnetic field (HMF). A mathematical expression connecting HMF with plasma temperature and density is suggested. Correlation coefficients and regression equations for measured and calculated magnetic fields are presented for the 1990–2009 period according to Ulysses spacecraft data and for 2003–2010 at 1 AU (OMNI database). The roles played by density, temperature, and high-speed solar wind streams in forming the magnetic-field peaks are demonstrated using hourly data of OMNI2 and Ulysses.     

IKAROS太阳帆的关键技术分析与启示

分析了国外太阳帆的发展现状,重点论述了世界上首次成功飞行的太阳帆——太阳辐射驱动星际风筝航天器（IKAROS）的总体设计、材料设计、空间展开和姿态控制等关键技术,以及中国开展太阳帆和空间大型展开结构的总体设计、空间展开、姿态控制、空间环境适应性等关键技术,提出了系统开展以太阳帆为代表的大型轻质展开结构研制与应用的建议。     

Recent advances in lunar base simulation

This article reports about the results of the latest computer runs of a lunar base simulation model. The lunar base consists of 20 facilities for lunar mining, processing and fabrication. The infrastructure includes solar and nuclear power plants, a central workshop, habitat and farm. Lunar products can be used for construction of solar power systems (SPS) or other spacecraft at several space locations. The simulation model evaluates the mass, energy and manpower flows between the elements of the system as well as system cost and cost of products on an annual basis for a given operational period. The 1983 standard model run over a fifty-years life cycle (beginning about the year 2000) was accomplished for a mean annual production volume of 78 180 Mg of hardware products for export resulting in average specific manufacturing cost of 8.4 $/kg and total annual cost of 1.25 billion dollars during the life cycle. The reference space transportation system uses LOX/LH₂ propulsion for which at the average 210 500 Mg LOX per year is produced on the moon. The sensitivity analysis indicates the importance of bootstrapping as well as the influence of market size, space transportation cost and specific resources demand on the mean lunar manufacturing cost. The option using lunar resources turns out to be quite attractive from the economical viewpoint. Systems analysis by this lunar base model and further trade-offs will be a useful tool to confirm this.     

折叠状航天器太阳电池阵在轨热分析(Ⅰ)——计算模型

将太阳电池板蜂窝芯子、面板和硅电池片中发生的辐射－传导复合传热过程等效为一个无内热源的三维瞬态热传导问题。根据电池板的材料、尺寸及结构形态导出太阳电池板的三维等效导热系数。针对任意两相邻电池板表面间的热辐射交换规律，构造适用于这表面内节点温度的离散方程系数。研究折叠状态太阳电池阵边界节点的热特点时，仔细考虑了地球红外辐照、地球的太阳反照、太阳辐射加热、航天器舱体几何遮挡、深冷环境散热、飞行轨道高度及航天器在太阳－地球系中不同位置等造成的影响。利用本文给出的方程，可以求出展开前在轨折叠状太阳电池阵三瞬态不稳定温度场。     

Exploring the solar system galactic frontier in extreme ultraviolet

The solar system galactic frontier—the region where the expanding solar wind meets the surrounding galactic medium—remains poorly explored. The sheer size of the essentially asymmetric heliosphere calls for remote techniques to probe the properties of its global time-varying three-dimensional boundary. The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission (launch in 2008) will image the region between the termination shock and the heliopause, the heliospheric sheath, in fluxes of energetic neutral atoms. Global imaging in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) will likely be the next logical step in remote exploration of the galactic frontier from 1 AU. Imaging in EUV will establish directional and spectral properties of (1) the glow of singly charged helium (He⁺) ions in the interstellar and solar wind plasmas; (2) emissions of hot plasma in the Local Bubble; and (3) characteristic emissions of the solar wind. Global imaging with ultrahigh sensitivity and ultrahigh spectral resolution will map the heliopause and reveal the three-dimensional flow pattern of the solar wind, including the flow over the Sun's poles. This article presents the emerging concept of the experiment and space mission for heliosphere global imaging in EUV.     

复合预冷吸气式火箭发动机热力循环分析

采用热力学第一定律分析法分析了复合预冷吸气式火箭发动机(SABRE)的基本热力过程,得出了吸气模式和火箭模式下的理想循环功和热效率表达式,确定了影响发动机理想热力循环性能的特征参数。结果表明:吸气模式下SABRE核心机采用布雷顿循环,压气机的增压比和循环增温比是影响理想热力循环性能的关键参数;火箭模式下SABRE采用火箭发动机循环,喷管降压比和出口排气速度是影响理想热力循环性能的关键参数。氦气仅仅在发动机内通过换热器换热实现能量在各循环子系统之间的输运,而其本身并无变化,不对发动机的理想循环功和热效率产生影响。