DIPS power conversion cycle selection

Author

Stadnik, Andrew G.

Author_Institution

Rockwell Int., Canoga Park, CA, USA

fYear

1989

fDate

6-11 Aug 1989

Firstpage

721

Abstract

The results of a dynamic power conversion cycle selection process conducted as part of the Dynamic Isotope Power Subsystem (DIPS) program sponsored by the US Department of Energy (DOE) are presented. The objective of the DIPS program is to demonstrate the technology necessary to provide dynamic radioisotope space electrical power systems in the 1 to 10 kWe range to support evolving military and civilian missions in the early 1990s and beyond. Selecting the most appropriate DIPS power conversion cycle that would support this objective was an integral step in this process. The closed Brayton cycle was selected as the preferred power conversion cycle for the DIPS program based on an evaluation of several key areas of spacecraft power system performance: reliability, survivability, safety, scalability and growth, cost and schedule, and sensitivity to parameter variations

Keywords

space vehicle power plants; 1 to 10 kW; DIPS power conversion cycle; DOE; Dynamic Isotope Power Subsystem; US Department of Energy; civilian missions; closed Brayton cycle; cost; growth; military missions; reliability; safety; scalability; schedule; sensitivity; survivability; Electronics packaging; Isotopes; Power conversion; Power system dynamics; Power system reliability; Power systems; Radioactive materials; Space missions; Space technology; US Department of Energy;

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.1989.74547

Filename

74547