Lunar electric power systems utilizing the SP-100 reactor coupled to dynamic conversion systemsAn integration study was performed by coupling an SP-100 reactor to either a Brayton or Stirling power conversion subsystem. The application was for a surface power system to supply power requirements to a lunar base. A power level of 550 kWe was selected based on the NASA Space Exploration Initiative 90-day study. Reliability studies were initially performed to determine optimum power-conversion redundancy. This study resulted in selecting three operating engines and one standby unit. Integratiaon-design studies indicated that either the Brayton or Stirling power conversion subsystem could be integrated with the SP-100 reactor. The Stirling system had an integration advantage because of smaller piping size and fewer components. The Stirling engine, however, is more complex and heavier than the Brayton rotating unit, which tends to offset the Stirling integration advantage. From a performance consideration, the Brayton had a 9-percent mass advantage and the Stirling a 50-percent radiator-area advantage.
Document ID
19910067792
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Harty, Richard B. (Rockwell International Corp. Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Durand, Richard E. (Rockwell International Corp. Rocketdyne Div., Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Mason, Lee S. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)