A Turbine-Driven Electric Power Generation System for Launch Vehicles & Other High-Power Aerospace Applications

Honeywell is working with Lockheed Martin and NASA to develop a lightweight, turbine-driven electric power generation system that offers greatly increased safety and reduced operating costs as compared to existing systems. The approach is to utilize a “bang-bang” speed control system with fuel-rich, catalytically-reacted hydrogen and oxygen propellants to drive a turbine and shaft-speed, high-reactance permanent-magnet generator. The rotating assembly is supported by gas-cooled “foil” bearings. The flight system is envisioned to be regeneratively cooled and have power conditioning and control electronics integrated within the pressurized turbogenerator housing. System definition and component development have been completed. “Brassboard” system testing is currently underway.