Advanced space solar dynamic receiversA study has been conducted to generate and evaluate advanced solar heat receiver concepts suitable for orbital application with Brayton and Stirling engine cycles in the 7-kW size range. The generated receiver designs have thermal storage capability (to enable power production during the substantial eclipse period which accompanies typical orbits) and are lighter and smaller than state-of-the-art systems, such as the Brayton solar receiver being designed and developed by AiResearch for the NASA Space Station. Two receiver concepts have been developed in detail: a packed bed receiver and a heat pipe receiver. The packed bed receiver is appropriate for a Brayton engine; the heat pipe receiver is applicable for either a Brayton or Stirling engine. The thermal storage for both concepts is provided by the melting and freezing of a salt. Both receiver concepts offer substantial improvements in size and weight compared to baseline receivers.
Document ID
19890027972
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Strumpf, Hal J. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Coombs, Murray G. (Allied-Signal Aerospace Co., AiResearch Los Angeles Div., Torrance CA, United States)
Lacy, Dovie E. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)