The activated heat source concept for space power applications
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Date
1992
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Abstract
One of the most reliable and commonly selected options for low levels of electrical power production (few kW[e] or less) in space is the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), which employs plutonium-238 (238Pu) as a heat source and thermoelectrics for conversion of thermal to electrical energy. These systems have been successfully applied to a wide range of missions and the associated thermal management, energy conversion and structural technologies have reached a high level of maturity. Another system employing 238Pu as the thermal energy source, but targeted for moderately higher power levels (up to 10 kW[e]), is the dynamic isotope power system (DIPS). Space reactors are under development to meet higher power requirements. However, each of these systems have drawbacks that might be overcome through development and application of activated heat source (AHS) technology. The AHS concept involves replacement of the 238Pu heat source in an RTG or DIPS with a material that is either non-radioactive or has a relatively low specific activity. The AHS material would be activated by a space reactor after launch to generate a thermal energy source. The thermal management, power conversion, and structural technologies developed for RTG and DIPS are transferable to the AHS concept. The AHS concept would eliminate or reduce the radiological hazards associated with the launch of plutonium-bearing power systems while preserving much of the investment made to date in the associated technologies, and increase the available supply of heat source material. The AHS concept would also increase the utilization of space reactor power systems. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the basic feasibility of the AHS concept. Candidate source nuclides were identified based on nuclear property requirements, and the basic materials performance and availability of these nuclides were investigated...
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Typescript (photocopy).
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Major nuclear engineering