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100-kWe Lunar/Mars Surface Power Utilizing the SP-100 Reactor with Dynamic Conversion
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Abstract
An integration study was performed coupling an SP-100 reactor with either a Brayton or Stirling power conversion subsystem. A power level of 100 kWe was selected for the study. The power system was to be compatible with both the lunar and Mars surface environment and require no site preparation. In addition, the reactor was to have integral shielding and be completely self-contained, including its own auxiliary power for start-up. Initial reliability studies were performed to determine power conversion redundancy and engine module size. Previous studies were used to select the power conversion optimum operating conditions (ratio of hot-side temperature to cold-side temperature). Results of the study indicated that either the Brayton or Stirling power conversion subsystems could be integrated with the SP-100 reactor for either a lunar or Mars surface power application. For the lunar environment, the reactor and primary coolant loop would be contained in a guard vessel to protect from a loss of primary loop containment. For the Mars environment, all refractory components including the reactor, primary coolant, and power conversion components would be contained in a vacuum vessel for protection against the CO2 environment. The vacuum would be maintained by an active ion pumping system. These active ion vacuum systems have no moving parts and have a long history of reliable operation.
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Harty, R. and Mason, L., "100-kWe Lunar/Mars Surface Power Utilizing the SP-100 Reactor with Dynamic Conversion," SAE Technical Paper 929446, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/929446.Also In
References
- “Lunar Electric Power Systems Utilizing the SP-100 Reactor Coupled to Dynamic Conversion Systems,” NASA Lewis Research Center
- “SP-100 Reactor-Brayton Power System-Rockwell Design Study,” Rockwell International, Rocketdyne Division August 1985
- SP-100 Reactor-Stirling System GFS Baseline System Definition and Characterization Study,” Rockwell International, Rocketdyne Division 9 August 1985
- Garrett J. C. P. Angell M.G. Whittager A. “Oxidation of 18%Cr, 8%Ni Steels in CO 2 Proceedings of Gas-Cooled Reactors for Today Bristol, England September 20-24 1982
- Maienschein F.L. et al. “Shielding for Advanced Reactors in the United States,” Nuclear Engineering and Design 15 1971 241 264