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A heat receiver design for solar dynamic space power systemsAn advanced heat pipe receiver designed for a solar dynamic space power system is described. The power system consists of a solar concentrator, solar heat receiver, Stirling heat engine, linear alternator and waste heat radiator. The solar concentrator focuses the sun's energy into a heat receiver. The engine and alternator convert a portion of this energy to electric power and the remaining heat is rejected by a waste heat radiator. Primary liquid metal heat pipes transport heat energy to the Stirling engine. Thermal energy storage allows this power system to operate during the shade portion of an orbit. Lithium fluoride/calcium fluoride eutectic is the thermal energy storage material. Thermal energy storage canisters are attached to the midsection of each heat pipe. The primary heat pipes pass through a secondary vapor cavity heat pipe near the engine and receiver interface. The secondary vapor cavity heat pipe serves three important functions. First, it smooths out hot spots in the solar cavity and provides even distribution of heat to the engine. Second, the event of a heat pipe failure, the secondary heat pipe cavity can efficiently transfer heat from other operating primary heat pipes to the engine heat exchanger of the defunct heat pipe. Third, the secondary heat pipe vapor cavity reduces temperature drops caused by heat flow into the engine. This unique design provides a high level of reliability and performance.
Document ID
19900004967
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Baker, Karl W.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH., United States)
Dustin, Miles O.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH., United States)
Crane, Roger
(University of South Florida Tampa., United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
E-5253
NASA-TM-102473
NAS 1.15:102473
Meeting Information
Meeting: 1990 International Solar Energy Conference
Location: Miami, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: April 1, 1990
End Date: April 4, 1990
Sponsors: ASME
Accession Number
90N14283
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 506-41-31
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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