This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Evaluation of a Reverse Brayton Cycle Heat Pump for Lunar Base Cooling
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
This paper explores the possibilities of cooling a permanently inhabited lunar base with a reverse Brayton cycle Thermal Control System (TCS). Based on an initial stage outpost, the cooling needs are defined. A thermodynamic performance model for the Brayton cycle is derived using ideal gas analysis. This model includes inefficiencies and irreversibilities of the components. The free parameters in the thermodynamic model are successively removed using limiting values for efficiencies and determining operating parameters by suboptimizations. In essence a model for cooling efficiency as a function of rejection temperature alone is obtained. For every component of the system a mass model is applied and the overall mass is determined. The last remaining degree of freedom, the rejection temperature, is eliminated by an optimization for lowest overall mass. The result for minimal TCS mass is compared to a reference TCS using a Rankine cycle. It is found that the Brayton cycle is not competitive with the Rankine TCS.
Authors
Citation
Sridhar, K., Nanjundan, A., Gottmann, M., Swanson, T. et al., "Evaluation of a Reverse Brayton Cycle Heat Pump for Lunar Base Cooling," SAE Technical Paper 941271, 1994, https://doi.org/10.4271/941271.Also In
References
- Ewert, M. K. Petete, A. P. Dzenitis, J. “Active Thermal Control Systems for Lunar and Martian Exploration” Symposium on Lunar Bases and Space Activities in the 21st Century Houston, TX April 1988
- Costello, F.A. Swanson, T.D. “Lunar Radiators with specular Reflectors” AIAA/ASME Thermophysics and Heat Transfer Conference Seattle, Washington June 1990 ASME Publication HTD 135 145 150
- Simonsen, L.C. DeBarro, J. M. Farmer, T. J. Thomas, C.C. “Conceptual Design of a Lunar Base Thermal Control System” Symposium on Lunar Bases and Space Activities in the 21st Century Houston, TX April 1988
- Swanson, T.D. Sridhar, K.R. Gottmann, M. “Moderate Temperature Control Technology for a Lunar Base” 23rd International Conference on Environmental Systems Colorado Springs, CO July 1993
- Guerra, L. “A Commonality Assessment of Lunar Surface Habitation” Proceedings of Space 88 AAIA Washington, DC 1988
- Waldron, R.D. “Lunar Base Power Requirements, Options and Growth” Proceedings of Space 90 AAIA Washington, DC 1990
- Gottmann, M. Sridhar, K.R. “Thermal Control Systems for Low-Temperature Heat Rejection on a Lunar Base” 28th National Heat Transfer Conference San Diego, CA August 1992
- Wood, B.D. Application of Thermodynamics second Waveland Press Inc Prospect Heights, Illinois 1991
- Juhasz Al Nasa Lewis Research Center
- LAFluer, J. K. “Cryogenics via the Gas Turbine,” Mechanical Engineering 87 11 38 40