An Overview and Status of Nasa's Radioisotope Power Conversion Technology Nra

An Overview and Status of Nasa's Radioisotope Power Conversion Technology Nra
Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Total Pages: 30
Release: 2018-08-20
Genre:
ISBN: 9781721810758

NASA's Advanced Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) development program is developing next generation radioisotope power conversion technologies that will enable future missions that have requirements that can not be met by either photovoltaic systems or by current Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technology. The Advanced Power Conversion Research and Technology project of the Advanced RPS development program is funding research and technology activities through the NASA Research Announcement (NRA) 02-OSS-01, "Research Opportunities in Space Science 2002" entitled "Radioisotope Power Conversion Technology" (RPCT), August 13, 2002. The objective of the RPCT NRA is to advance the development of radioisotope power conversion technologies to provide significant improvements over the state-of-practice General Purpose Heat Source/Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator by providing significantly higher efficiency to reduce the number of radioisotope fuel modules, and increase specific power (watts/kilogram). Other Advanced RPS goals include safety, long-life, reliability, scalability, multi-mission capability, resistance to radiation, and minimal interference with the scientific payload. Ten RPCT NRA contracts were awarded in 2003 in the areas of Brayton, Stirling, thermoelectric (TE), and thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power conversion technologies. This paper will provide an overview of the RPCT NRA, and a brief summary of accomplishments over the first 18 months but focusing on advancements made over the last 6 months. Anderson, David J. and Wong, Wayne A. and Tuttle, Karen L. Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-2005-213980, AIAA Paper 2005-5713, E-15302

Photovoltaics for Space

Photovoltaics for Space
Author: Sheila G. Bailey
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 536
Release: 2022-10-26
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 012823301X

PV has traditionally been used for electric power in space. Solar panels on spacecraft are usually the sole source of power to run the sensors, active heating and cooling, and communications. Photovoltaics for Space: Key Issues, Missions and Alternative Technologies provides an overview of the challenges to efficiently produce solar power in near-Earth space and beyond: the materials and device architectures that have been developed to surmount these environmental and mission-specific barriers. The book is organized in four sections consisting of detailed introductory and background content as well as a collection of in-depth space environment, materials processing, technology, and mission overviews by international experts. This book will detail how to design and optimize a space power system's performance for power-to-weight ratio, effectiveness at end of operational life (EOL) compared to beginning of operational life (BOL), and specific mission objectives and goals. This book outlines the knowledge required for practitioners and advanced students interested in learning about the background, materials, devices, environmental challenges, missions, and future for photovoltaics for space exploration. - Provides an update to state-of-the-art and emerging solar cell technologies - Features comprehensive coverage of solar cells for space exploration and materials/device technology options available - Explains the extreme conditions and mission challenges to overcome when using photovoltaics in space

NASA Radioisotope Power Conversion Technology Nra Overview

NASA Radioisotope Power Conversion Technology Nra Overview
Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Total Pages: 30
Release: 2018-06-27
Genre:
ISBN: 9781721811205

The focus of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Development program is aimed at developing nuclear power and technologies that would improve the effectiveness of space science missions. The Radioisotope Power Conversion Technology (RPCT) NASA Research Announcement (NRA) is an important mechanism through which research and technology activities are supported in the Advanced Power Conversion Research and Technology project of the Advanced Radioisotope Power Systems Development program. The purpose of the RPCT NRA is to advance the development of radioisotope power conversion technologies to provide higher efficiencies and specific powers than existing systems. These advances would enable a factor of two to four decrease in the amount of fuel and a reduction of waste heat required to generate electrical power, and thus could result in more cost effective science missions for NASA. The RPCT NRA selected advanced RPS power conversion technology research and development proposals in the following three areas: innovative RPS power conversion research, RPS power conversion technology development in a nominal 100 W(sub e) scale; and, milliwatt/multi-watt RPS (mWRPS) power conversion research. Ten RPCT NRA contracts were awarded in 2003 in the areas of Brayton, Stirling, thermoelectric (TE), and thermophotovoltaic (TPV) power conversion technologies. This paper will provide an overview of the RPCT NRA, a summary of the power conversion technologies approaches being pursued, and a brief digest of first year accomplishments. Anderson, David J. Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-2005-213981, E-15303

Molten Salt Reactors and Thorium Energy

Molten Salt Reactors and Thorium Energy
Author: Thomas James Dolan
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 1068
Release: 2024-01-25
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0323993567

Molten Salt Reactors and Thorium Energy, Second Edition is a fully updated comprehensive reference on the latest advances in MSR research and technology. Building on the successful first edition, Tom Dolan and the team of experts have fully updated the content to reflect the impressive advances from the last 5 years, ensuring this book continues to be the go-to reference on the topic. This new edition covers progress made in MSR design, details innovative experiments, and includes molten salt data, corrosion studies and deployment plans. The successful case studies section of the first edition have been removed, expanded, and fully updated, and are now published in a companion title called Global Case Studies on Molten Salt Reactors. Readers will gain a deep understanding of the advantages and challenges of MSR development and thorium fuel use, as well as step-by-step guidance on the latest in MSR reactor design. Each chapter provides a clear introduction, covers technical issues and includes examples and conclusions, while promoting the sustainability benefits throughout. - A fully updated comprehensive handbook on Molten Salt Reactors and Thorium Energy, written by a team of global experts - Covers MSR applications, technical issues, reactor types and reactor designs - Includes 3 brand new chapters which reflect the latest advances in research and technology since the first edition published - Presents case studies on molten salt reactors which aid in the transition to net zero by providing abundant clean, safe energy to complement wind and solar powe

Thermal Energy

Thermal Energy
Author: Yatish T. Shah
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 854
Release: 2018-01-12
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1315305941

The book details sources of thermal energy, methods of capture, and applications. It describes the basics of thermal energy, including measuring thermal energy, laws of thermodynamics that govern its use and transformation, modes of thermal energy, conventional processes, devices and materials, and the methods by which it is transferred. It covers 8 sources of thermal energy: combustion, fusion (solar) fission (nuclear), geothermal, microwave, plasma, waste heat, and thermal energy storage. In each case, the methods of production and capture and its uses are described in detail. It also discusses novel processes and devices used to improve transfer and transformation processes.

Space Technology and Applications International Forum 2007

Space Technology and Applications International Forum 2007
Author: Mohamed S. El-Genk
Publisher: AIP Conference Proceedings (Nu
Total Pages: 1262
Release: 2007
Genre: Science
ISBN:

The proceedings of STAIF-2007 feature a broad spectrum of topics on. These topics span the range from basic research to the most recent technology advances and hardware development and testing. The proceedings will be of particular interest to program managers, practicing engineers, academicians, graduate students, system designers, and researchers interested in the fields of space technology and space science.

Rectenna Solar Cells

Rectenna Solar Cells
Author: Garret Moddel
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 396
Release: 2013-09-16
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1461437164

Rectenna Solar Cells discusses antenna-coupled diode solar cells, an emerging technology that has the potential to provide ultra-high efficiency, low-cost solar energy conversion. This book will provide an overview of solar rectennas, and provide thorough descriptions of the two main components: the diode, and the optical antenna. The editors discuss the science, design, modeling, and manufacturing of the antennas coupled with the diodes. The book will provide concepts to understanding the challenges, fabrication technologies, and materials required to develop rectenna structures. Written by experts in their specialized fields.