A preliminary study of the modified Ericsson for space powerSimple modifications of the Ericsson cycle are analyzed for their application as high power, compact and reliable space power systems. They use the same components as the technologically advanced and reliable Brayton system. These modifications approximate the Ericsson cycle's isothermal expansion by several stages of expansion with reheat and the isothermal compression by several compression stages with intercooling. Preliminary cycle analysis including non-ideal components indicates potential advantages in both power per unit area and efficiency over the Brayton system. Evaluation of the system mass indicates a significant mass and radiator area advantage of a Modified Ericsson cycle using one reheat and one expansion stage when a high temperature titanium radiator is used. Whereas the configuration using one reheat and one intercooling with two stages of compression and expansion provided the lowest mass per unit power using a lower temperature aluminum radiator.
Document ID
19860040102
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Berner, J. (Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Louis, J. F. (MIT Cambridge, MA, United States)
Juhasz, A. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)