Thermophotovoltaic Energy Conversion in Space Nuclear Reactor Power Systems

Abstract

Thermophotovoltaic energy conversion offers a means of efficiently converting heat into electrical power. This has potential benefits for space nuclear reactor power systems currently in development. The primary obstacle to space operation of thermophotovoltaic devices appears to be the low heat rejection temperatures which necessitate large radiator areas. A study of the tradespace between efficiency and radiator size indicates that feasible multi-junction TPV efficiencies result in substantial overall system mass reduction with manageable radiator area. The appendices introduce the endothermodynamic model of a TPV cell and briefly assess the utility of advanced carbon-carbon heat pipe radiator concepts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA493502

Entities

People

  • Andrew L. Presby

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Carbon Carbon Composites
  • Charge Carriers
  • Electric Power
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Energy Bands
  • Energy Transfer
  • Engineers
  • Heat Transfer
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Nuclear Reactors
  • Semiconductors
  • Silicon Carbide
  • Solar Cells
  • Solar Energy
  • Thermodynamics

Readers

  • Combustion and Flow Dynamics.
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster