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Solar dynamic power system definition studyThe solar dynamic power system design and analysis study compared Brayton, alkali-metal Rankine, and free-piston Stirling cycles with silicon planar and GaAs concentrator photovoltaic power systems for application to missions beyond the Phase 2 Space Station level of technology for all power systems. Conceptual designs for Brayton and Stirling power systems were developed for 35 kWe and 7 kWe power levels. All power systems were designed for 7-year end-of-life conditions in low Earth orbit. LiF was selected for thermal energy storage for the solar dynamic systems. Results indicate that the Stirling cycle systems have the highest performance (lowest weight and area) followed by the Brayton cycle, with photovoltaic systems considerably lower in performance. For example, based on the performance assumptions used, the planar silicon power system weight was 55 to 75 percent higher than for the Stirling system. A technology program was developed to address areas wherein significant performance improvements could be realized relative to the current state-of-the-art as represented by Space Station. In addition, a preliminary evaluation of hardenability potential found that solar dynamic systems can be hardened beyond the hardness inherent in the conceptual designs of this study.
Document ID
19880010977
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Wallin, Wayne E.
(Rockwell International Corp. Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Friefeld, Jerry M.
(Rockwell International Corp. Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1988
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-180877
RI/RD87-250
NAS 1.26:180877
Accession Number
88N20361
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 506-41-31
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS3-24864
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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