Modular radioisotope AMTEC power system

Sievers, R.K.; Hunt, Thomas K.; Ivanenok, Joseph F.; Pantolin, Jan E.; Butkiewicz, David A.

doi:10.1063/1.43168

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…The magnet mass in the alternator keeps the specific mass high in these devices. Alkali metal thermal to electric converters (AMTEC) electrochemically convert the isothermal expansion of sodium or potassium vapor to electrical work via a charge exchange of the liquid metal in a beta-alumina solid electrolyte and electron recombination at a porous metal electrode [9]. Recent design improvements have led to slight reductions in the estimated specific mass of hypothetical AMTEC generators [11].…”

Section: Rep Technologymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Radioisotope electric propulsion of sciencecraft to the outer solar system and near-interstellar space

Noble

1999

Acta Astronautica

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Recent results are presented in the study of radioisotope electric propulsion as a near-term technology for sending small robotic sciencecraft to the outer Solar System and near-interstellar space. Radioisotope electric propulsion (REP) systems are low-thrust, ion propulsion units based on radioisotope electric generators and ion thrusters. Powerplant specific masses are expected to be in the range of 100 to 200 kg/kW of thrust power. Planetary rendezvous missions to Pluto, fast missions to the heliopause (100 AU) with the capability to decelerate an orbiter for an extended science program and prestellar missions to the first gravitational lens focus of the Sun (550 AU) are investigated.

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Section: Rep Technologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many development efforts have been undertaken with the aim of reducing the specific mass of radioisotope electric systems [6] [7] [8] [9]. Recent performance estimates suggest that specific masses of 50 kg/kW may be achievable for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) and alkali metal thermal to electric (AMTEC) generators [10] [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radioisotope electric propulsion of sciencecraft to the outer solar system and near-interstellar space

Noble

1999

Acta Astronautica

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“…Several other types of power conversion systems, most notably AMTEC, thermophotovoltaic (TPV) and HYTEC are also candidates as replacements. Discussions of the current state of development of these systems can be found in Sievers, 1993;Roy, 1993;and Morgan, 1993.…”

Section: High Efficiency Radioisotope Power Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

High efficiency dynamic radioisotope power systems for space exploration-a status report

Hunt

1993

IEEE Aerosp. Electron. Syst. Mag.

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Radioisotope power systems have enabled space exploration for approximately 30 years. Past and current systems use radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) to provide power and are currently coupled with the state-of-the-art, 238Pu fueled, General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) modules developed by the Department of Energy. Although only RTG power sources have been flown, research and development into high efficiency radioisotope (HER) power systems has continued and with the drive to faster, cheaper, better (smaller implied by faster and cheaper), work is being conducted by NASA, DOE, and industry to define the next generation of isotope power systems. Background on the space exploration program is discussed and the currently identified NASA exploration missions are contrasted with the missions that were being planned a year ago. Developments in high efficiency dynamic radioisotope power systems are discussed and Brayton and Stirling power conversion cycles are compared for the missions planned for the next decade. Issues related to the use of HER power systems are identified. MISSIONS AND APPLICATIONSSpace science missions beyond 2AU and lunar and planetary surface science missions are currently, and have been for the duration of the space program, enabled by the use of radioisotope power sources. RTGs have accumulated over 30 years of safe flight experience. Over this period six types of units have flown on 20 Department of Defense and NASA missions including eight in earth orbit, five on the lunar surface, and seven for planetary exploration. Most of these are still operational. Additionally, GPHS-RTGs were shuttle-launched for the Galileo and Ulysses missions and are planned for the upcoming Cassini mission (Figure 1)

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Performance analysis of Pluto/Express, multitube AMTEC cells

Tournier

El‐Genk

1999

Energy Conversion and Management

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Modular radioisotope AMTEC power system

Cited by 6 publications

References 5 publications

Radioisotope electric propulsion of sciencecraft to the outer solar system and near-interstellar space

Radioisotope electric propulsion of sciencecraft to the outer solar system and near-interstellar space

High efficiency dynamic radioisotope power systems for space exploration-a status report

Performance analysis of Pluto/Express, multitube AMTEC cells

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