This power provides an initial evaluation of potential configurations of NERVA-type reactors (nuclear engine for rocket vehicle application) and Brayton power conversion systems that can satisfy the projected multimegawatt power needs of space based weapon platforms. Two basic systems are distinguished: Steady-state reactor, in which an inert gas is used as the reactor coolant for long term, e.g., days to years, operation at modest power levels, e.g., up to tens of megawatts. This system can only produce multimegawatt levels of burst power in conjunction with an energy storage system or another power system such as open cycle burst power system. Burst-power reactor, in which hydrogen gas is used as the reactor coolant for short-term, e.g., hundreds of seconds, operation at very high power levels, e.g., up to thousands of megawatts. This system would be used with some other lower power steady state system to meet steady state and alert power needs.
Nerva derivative reactor/brayton power system for multimegawatt power applications
Kernkraftgetriebener Antrieb fuer Raketen im Multimegawatt-Bereich: Reaktor, Brayton-Zyklus und alternative Anwendungen
1987
4 Seiten, 5 Bilder, 2 Tabellen
Conference paper
English