A Comparison of Fission Power System Options for Lunar and Mars Surface Applications

Mason, Lee S.

doi:10.1063/1.2169203

Cited by 34 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Several recent studies of Lunar and Mars surface reactor studies have been presented (Marcille et al, 2006, Kang, Lipinski andMcAlpine 2006;Elliott, Reh and McPherson, 2006;Mason, 2006;Houts et al, 2006). The reactor system proposed by Marcille (2006) has 85 UO2 pins enriched to 93% ^^^U and clad in SS316.…”

Section: Lunar Surface Reactor Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Progress in Developing a New 5 Kilowatt Free-Piston Stirling Space Convertor

Brandhorst¹,

Kirby²,

Chapman³

et al. 2008

AIP Conference Proceedings

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The NASA Vision for Exploration of the Moon envisions a nuclear reactor coupled with a free-piston Stirling convertor at a power level of 30-40 kWe. In the 1990s, Mechanical Technology, Inc.'s Stirling Engine Systems Division (now a part of Foster-Miller, Inc.) developed a 25 kWe free piston Stirling Space Power Demonstrator Engine under the SP-100 program. This system consisted of two 12.5 kWe engines connected at their hot ends and mounted in tandem to cancel vibration. Recently, NASA and DoE have been developing dual 55 We and 80 We Stirling convertor systems for use with radioisotope heat sources. Total test times of all convertors in this effort exceed 120,000 hours. Recently, NASA began a new project with Auburn University to develop a 5 kWe, single convertor for use in the Lunar power system. Goals of this development program include a specific power in excess of 140 We/kg at the convertor level, lifetime in excess of five years and a control system that will safely manage the convertors in case of an emergency. Auburn University awarded a subcontract to Foster-Miller, Inc. to undertake development of the 5 kWe Stirling Convertor Assembly. The characteristics of the design along with progress in developing the system will be described.

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Section: Lunar Surface Reactor Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Progress in Developing a New 5 Kilowatt Free-Piston Stirling Space Convertor

Brandhorst¹,

Kirby²,

Chapman³

et al. 2008

AIP Conference Proceedings

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Design input parameters such as compressor inlet temperature (CIT) and pressure (400 K and 0.5 MPa), compressor pressure ratio (CPR) (2.0), turbine inlet temperature (TIT) (1150 K), recuperator and gas cooler effectiveness (95 and 97 percent), helium-xenon (He-Xe) working fluid molecular weight (40 g/mol), and component DP/P were selected based on previous studies. 3,6,9,10 The system is configured with 2 percent gas bleed flow for bearing cavity cooling and 5 percent liquid coolant bleed for alternator stator cooling. Radiator NaK mass flow rate was specified to yield the lowest combined gas cooler and radiator mass.…”

Section: B Dual Brayton Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recent NASA studies have investigated CBC-based reactor power systems for the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) mission 1 and for lunar and Mars surface power missions. 2,3 The reactor heat source could include a separate primary coolant, such as liquid metal, and an intermediate heat exchanger or provide direct heating of the Brayton working fluid via a gas-cooled reactor. The JIMO mission was pursuing the development of a 200 kWe gas-cooled reactor with direct Brayton power conversion.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance and Operational Characteristics for a Dual Brayton Space Power System with Common Gas Inventory

Johnson¹,

Mason

2006

4th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference and Exhibit (IECEC)

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“…A fundamental requirement for unshielded or lightly shielded surface power is the ability to locate the fission power source at a distance from habitable areas. Transmission cables become a major source of weight and high voltage transmission lines are a way of dramatically reducing cable mass (Mason, 2006). As a result, the LPSF was modified to include a high voltage transmission simulator.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Test Results from a Simulated High Voltage Lunar Power Transmission Line

Birchenough

Hervol

2008

AIP Conference Proceedings

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Abstract. The Alternator Test Unit (ATU) in the Lunar Power System Facility (LPSF) located at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, OH was modified to simulate high voltage transmission capability. The testbed simulated a 1 km transmission cable length from the ATU to the LPSF using resistors and inductors installed between the distribution transformers. Power factor correction circuitry was used to compensate for the reactance of the distribution system to improve the overall power factor. This test demonstrated that a permanent magnet alternator can successfully provide high frequency AC power to a lunar facility located at a distance.

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A Comparison of Fission Power System Options for Lunar and Mars Surface Applications

Cited by 34 publications

References 7 publications

Progress in Developing a New 5 Kilowatt Free-Piston Stirling Space Convertor

Progress in Developing a New 5 Kilowatt Free-Piston Stirling Space Convertor

Performance and Operational Characteristics for a Dual Brayton Space Power System with Common Gas Inventory

Test Results from a Simulated High Voltage Lunar Power Transmission Line

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