NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Assessment of flywheel energy storage for spacecraft power systemsThe feasibility of inertial energy storage in a spacecraft power system is evaluated on the basis of a conceptual integrated design that encompasses a composite rotor, magnetic suspension, and a permanent magnet (PM) motor/generator for a 3-kW orbital average payload at a bus distribution voltage of 250 volts dc. The conceptual design, which evolved at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), is referred to as a Mechanical Capacitor. The baseline power system configuration selected is a series system employing peak-power-tracking for a Low Earth-Orbiting application. Power processing, required in the motor/generator, provides a potential alternative configurations that can only be achieved in systems with electrochemical energy storage by the addition of power processing components. One such alternative configuration provides for peak-power-tracking of the solar array and still maintains a regulated bus, without the expense of additional power processing components. Precise speed control of the two counterrotating wheels is required to reduce interaction with the attitude control system (ACS) or alternatively, used to perform attitude control functions. Critical technologies identified are those pertaining to the energy storage element and are prioritized as composite wheel development, magnetic suspension, motor/generator, containment, and momentum control. Comparison with a 3-kW, 250-Vdc power system using either NiCd or NiH2 for energy storage results in a system in which inertial energy storage offers potential advantages in lifetime, operating temperature, voltage regulation, energy density, charge control, and overall system weight reduction.
Document ID
19830025670
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Rodriguez, G. E.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Studer, P. A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Baer, D. A.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
September 4, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1983
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
G-83F0229
NAS 1.15:85061
NASA-TM-85061
Accession Number
83N33941
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
No Preview Available