Design of a nuclear isotope heat source assembly for a spaceborne mini-Brayton power module.Results of a study to develop a feasible design definition of a heat source assembly (HSA) for use in nominal 500-, 1200-, or 2000-W(e) mini-Brayton spacecraft power systems. The HSA is a modular design which is used either as a single unit to provide thermal energy to the 500-W(e) mini-Brayton power module or in parallel with one or two additional HSAs for the 1200- or 2000-W(e) power module systems. Principal components consist of a multihundred watt RTG isotope heat source, a heat source heat exchanger which transfers the thermal energy from the heat source to the mini-Brayton power conversion system, an auxiliary cooling system which provides requisite cooling during nonoperation of the power conversion module and an emergency cooling system which precludes accidental release of isotope fuel in the event of system failure.
Document ID
19730053629
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Wein, D. (General Electric Co. Philadelphia, Pa., United States)
Gorland, S. H. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio, United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1973
Subject Category
Nuclear Engineering
Meeting Information
Meeting: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference