The increasing need for higher electrical power levels for military and scientific space purposes has spurred development of energy conversion systems with higher efficiencies than the traditional solar array. Numerous nuclear options are currently under development. These fuels eliminate the need for large deployable solar arrays or concentrators, allow unrestricted pointing and maneuvering, and are inherently less susceptible to natural and threat environments; they are the only viable energy source for outer planetary exploration. Fission reactors are the most desirable nuclear source for electric power levels above 10 kW. Radioisotope sources have been used in conjunction with thermoelectrics up to 1 kWe for planetary exploration. However, for radioisotope systems in the 1 to 10 kWe range, a much higher conversion efficiency is required. For over 15 years, NASA and the Department of Energy (DOE) have been developing closed cycle turbo-alternator (dynamic) power conversion systems for space use. The Air Force and DOE are jointly developing such a system under the Dynamic Isotope Power System (DIPS) program.
DIPS organic rankine cycle heat rejection system
Dynamische Kernbatterie (DIPS) - ein Waermeabfuehrsystem nach dem organischen Rankine Prozess
SAE-Papers ; Jul ; 1-8
1987
8 Seiten, 12 Bilder, 2 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
DIPS Organic Rankine Cycle Heat Rejection System
SAE Technical Papers | 1987
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