Nuclear power propulsion system for spacecraft
Abstract
The proposed designs of high-power space tugs that utilize solar or nuclear energy to power an electric jet engine are reviewed. The conceptual design of a nuclear power propulsion system (NPPS) is described; its structural diagram, gas circuit, and electric diagram are discussed. The NPPS incorporates a nuclear reactor, a thermal-to-electric energy conversion system, a system for the conversion and distribution of electric energy, and an electric propulsion system. Two criterion parameters were chosen in the considered NPPS design: the temperature of gaseous working medium at the nuclear reactor outlet and the rotor speed of turboalternators. The maintenance of these parameters at a given level guarantees that the needed electric voltage is generated and allows for power mode control. The processes of startup/shutdown and increasing/reducing the power, the principles of distribution of electric energy over loads, and the probable emergencies for the proposed NPPS design are discussed.
- Publication:
-
Thermal Engineering
- Pub Date:
- December 2015
- DOI:
- 10.1134/S0040601515130078
- Bibcode:
- 2015ThEng..62..971K
- Keywords:
-
- space nuclear power plant;
- space propulsion system;
- Brayton-cycle gas-turbine unit;
- space tug with electric propulsion;
- gas-cooled nuclear reactor