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Closed Cycle Magnetohydrodynamic Nuclear Space Power Generation Using Helium/Xenon Working PlasmaA multimegawatt-class nuclear fission powered closed cycle magnetohydrodynamic space power plant using a helium/xenon working gas has been studied, to include a comprehensive system analysis. Total plant efficiency was expected to be 55.2 percent including pre-ionization power. The effects of compressor stage number, regenerator efficiency, and radiation cooler temperature on plant efficiency were investigated. The specific mass of the power generation plant was also examined. System specific mass was estimated to be 3 kg/kWe for a net electrical output power of 1 MWe, 2-3 kg/kWe at 2 MWe, and approx.2 kg/KWe at >3 MWe. Three phases of research and development plan were proposed: (1) Phase I-proof of principle, (2) Phase II-demonstration of power generation, and (3) Phase III-prototypical closed loop test.
Document ID
20060009455
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Technical Publication (TP)
Authors
Litchford, R. J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Harada, N.
(Nagaoka Univ. of Technology Nagaoka, Japan)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 2005
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NASA/TP-2005-214187
M-1149
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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