Systems analysis for a cryogenic aerospace terrestrial radar power system

Preliminary feasibility studies based on refrigeration thermodynamics, were conducted for the systems analysis of a cryogenic power system for a terrestrial radar application. The results of the systems analysis revealed that cooling power generation, power conditioning and the phased array ground based radar console will reduce system mass, volume and complexity in multi-megawatt aerospace power systems. The ground based radar system under development consists of a diesel driven prime power unit, the radar antenna, platform steering motors and processors for radar signals and communications, all operating at room temperature or higher temperatures. An iterative systems model was developed to determine the effects of cryocooling the generator, power conditioning and antenna on the component and system level mass, volume, efficiency and specific fuel consumption. It was found that by using a multistage cryocooler, to cool the generator to 77 K, the power conditioning equipment to 150 K and the antenna to 220 K, the conventional mass, volume and fuel consumption could be reduced by more than 70, 60 and 50 percent respectively. Improved performance enhancements by cryocooling the antenna and power conditioning equipment cascaded back to reduced power and fuel requirements at the prime power unit