A Comparison of Long-Duration Secondary-Power Schemes for Space Vehicles

Abstract

The status and limitations of seven basic schemes for converting solar or nuclear radiation to electricity are reviewed. The closed-heat engine cycle employing a hermetically sealed turbo-alternator is selected as the scheme offering the earliest availability for space power applications requiring above a few kilowatts of electrical power. Development problems of the small turbomachinery cycle are emphasized. The conclusion is made that development of the long-duration space power supply may be logging behind vehicle launch capability.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 02, 1959
Accession Number
ADA286705

Entities

People

  • A. P. Kelley

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Converters
  • Electric Power
  • Electricity
  • Energy
  • Engineering
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Engines
  • Heat Exchangers
  • Heat Transfer
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Nuclear Radiation
  • Physical Properties
  • Power Supplies
  • Radiation
  • Rankine Cycles
  • Spacecraft

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Electrical Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster