A feasibility study of using thermoelectric converters for the LMFBR derivative ERATO-20 kWe space power system

Author

El-Genk, M.S. ; Carre, Frank ; Tournier, Jean-Michel

Author_Institution

Dept. of Chem. & Nucl. Eng., New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque, NM, USA

fYear

1989

fDate

6-11 Aug 1989

Firstpage

1281

Abstract

The results of a feasibility study of using thermoelectric (TE) converters, instead of the He-Xe turbo-alternator, in the ERATO/UO₂/Na/SS space nuclear power system are presented. The results demonstrate that using either PbTe or SiGe TE converters would not only reduce the overall system mass and enhance the overall system reliability, but would also make full use of the terrestrial LMFBR technology in France. The TE-ERATO power system, when coupled to an oversized, 140 m² radiator, in addition to offering better integration with the Ariane 5 launcher, possesses a specific power in excess of 10 We/kg

Keywords

fission reactor theory and design; space vehicle power plants; thermoelectric conversion; 20 kW; Ariane 5 launcher; ERATO space power system; France; LMFBR; liquid metal fast breeder reactors; radiator; reliability; thermoelectric converters; Chemical engineering; Fuels; Inductors; Power engineering and energy; Power system reliability; Power systems; Space technology; Temperature; Thermoelectricity; Waste heat;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, 1989. IECEC-89., Proceedings of the 24th Intersociety

Conference_Location

Washington, DC

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/IECEC.1989.74634

Filename

74634