Comparative study on sequential and simultaneous startup performance of space nuclear power system with multi brayton loops

Ma, Wenkui; Gao, Yue; Yang, Xiaoyong

doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.07.023

Cited by 11 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…where Pr is the Prandtl number; f is the resistance factor, which can be expressed as [17]: ln f = 0.132866(ln Re) 2 − 2.28042 ln Re + 6.79634 (11) where Re is the Reynolds number.…”

Section: Recuperatormentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To promote redundancy and eliminate the gyrostatic effect, the high-power SRGTC has multiple PCUs sharing a common gas inventory and reactor. The research of Ma et al [11,17] indicates that the multiple PCUs of the SRGTC operating asynchronously during start-up and in load loss conditions shows an interaction mechanism between PCUs. Therefore, the safety characteristics and coupling effect of the SRGTC with multiple PCUs under radiator loss accident conditions should be investigated.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Analysis of the Radiator Loss Safety Boundary of a Space Reactor Gas Turbine Cycle with Multiple PCU Modules

Ma,

Ye,

Gao

et al. 2024

Energies

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The development of space exploration technologies puts higher demand on space power systems. The space reactor gas turbine cycle (SRGTC) has the advantages of compact configuration and small mass and volume and is one of the optimal options for future high-power space power systems. The SRGTC operates in an isolated island state and the radiator is fragile if it is hit by asteroids and space debris. The transient characteristics of the SRGTC are fundamental for safe operation in radiator loss accidents. In this paper, a dynamic model for the SRGTC is established, and the performance of the SRGTC with dual power conversion unit (PCU) modules (SRGTC-DPCU) after radiator loss was investigated. The results indicated that the waste heat of the system was accumulated in the radiator after radiator loss, which increased the consumed power of the compressor and further led to speed fluctuations. The bypass valve control and the temperature negative feedback effect can ensure the safe operation of the shaft and the reactor. More radiator loss decreased the speed far below the rated speed and exceeded the safety margin of the bypass valve control, which further led to system shutdown. There is a safety boundary of radiator loss accidents. Furthermore, the coupling effects of multiple PCUs after radiator loss were analyzed. The working fluid inventory was redistributed among the PCU modules. The reduction of working fluid inventory in the accident PCU module promoted the safety boundary. This study provides a reference for the operation of the SRGTC.

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“…where Pr is the Prandtl number; f is the resistance factor, which can be expressed as [17]: ln f = 0.132866(ln Re) 2 − 2.28042 ln Re + 6.79634 (11) where Re is the Reynolds number.…”

Section: Recuperatormentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of the Radiator Loss Safety Boundary of a Space Reactor Gas Turbine Cycle with Multiple PCU Modules

Ma,

Ye,

Gao

et al. 2024

Energies

Self Cite

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show abstract

“…This served as the foundation for conceptualizing control strategies, namely, inventory control, bleed control, and rotating speed control, grounded in the theoretical model. Moving forward, Ma et al [23][24][25] constructed a comprehensive thermal-hydraulic model for the space nuclear power system with multi Brayton loops (SNPS-MBL). Their work includes the development of two different start-up methods, simultaneous start-up and sequential start-up, for SNPS with double Brayton loops (SNPS-DBL).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dynamic Characteristics Analysis for a Novel Double-Rotor He-Xe Closed-Brayton-Cycle Space Nuclear Power Generation System

Cheng,

Li,

et al. 2023

Energies

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The growing demand for electricity in long-duration space missions has become a pressing concern. The space nuclear closed-Brayton-cycle (CBC) power generation system offers advantages in power output, operational lifespan, and range. However, a significant speed disparity exists between its compressor and alternator. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a double-rotor CBC configuration. A corresponding dynamic model that couples the nuclear reactor and radiator is formulated, and dynamic analysis is conducted to facilitate system control. The study delves into the dynamic start-up process of the double-rotor CBC system and examines how various component parameters impact its power generation performance. The findings indicate that through the introduction of suitable reactivity to regulate reactor power and the incorporation of a PID controller to manage flow distribution between two turbines, the system can achieve start-up within 5200 s. Moreover, the innovative double-rotor structure suggested in this paper enables the separation of compressor and alternator speeds. Consequently, the compressor and alternator can operate within their optimal speed ranges independently, which is a feature that holds potential benefits for the system’s practical implementation. In addition, the steady-state operation of the system showcases the recuperator’s heat transfer power at around 1127.60 kW, a parameter of significant importance. Following steady-state operation, the double-rotor CBC system demonstrated an electrical power output of 175.99 kW and a thermal efficiency of 32.38%.

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Study on the load loss characteristics of a space nuclear power system with multi Brayton loops

Gao

Yang

2023

Annals of Nuclear Energy

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Comparative study on sequential and simultaneous startup performance of space nuclear power system with multi brayton loops

Cited by 11 publications

References 23 publications

Analysis of the Radiator Loss Safety Boundary of a Space Reactor Gas Turbine Cycle with Multiple PCU Modules

Analysis of the Radiator Loss Safety Boundary of a Space Reactor Gas Turbine Cycle with Multiple PCU Modules

Dynamic Characteristics Analysis for a Novel Double-Rotor He-Xe Closed-Brayton-Cycle Space Nuclear Power Generation System

Study on the load loss characteristics of a space nuclear power system with multi Brayton loops

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