Effect of Voltage Level on Power System Design for Solar Electric Propulsion Missions

Effect of Voltage Level on Power System Design for Solar Electric Propulsion Missions
Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Total Pages: 34
Release: 2018-06-20
Genre:
ISBN: 9781721572557

This paper presents study results quantifying the benefits of higher voltage, electric power system designs for a typical solar electric propulsion spacecraft Earth orbiting mission. A conceptual power system architecture was defined and design points were generated for system voltages of 28-V, 50-V, 120-V, and 300-V using state-of-the-art or advanced technologies. A 300-V 'direct-drive' architecture was also analyzed to assess the benefits of directly powering the electric thruster from the photovoltaic array without up-conversion. Fortran and spreadsheet computational models were exercised to predict the performance and size power system components to meet spacecraft mission requirements. Pertinent space environments, such as electron and proton radiation, were calculated along the spiral trajectory. In addition, a simplified electron current collection model was developed to estimate photovoltaic array losses for the orbital plasma environment and that created by the thruster plume. The secondary benefits of power system mass savings for spacecraft propulsion and attitude control systems were also quantified. Results indicate that considerable spacecraft wet mass savings were achieved by the 300-V and 300-V direct-drive architectures. Kerslake, Thomas W. Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-2003-212304, E-13876, NAS 1.15:212304

Rocket Propulsion Elements

Rocket Propulsion Elements
Author: George P. Sutton
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 792
Release: 2016-11-30
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1118753887

ROCKET PROPULSION ELEMENTS THE DEFINITIVE INTRODUCTION TO ROCKET PROPULSION THEORY AND APPLICATIONS The recent upsurge in global government and private spending and in space flight events has resulted in many novel applications of rocket propulsion technology. Rocket Propulsion Elements remains the definitive guide to the field, providing a comprehensive introduction to essential concepts and applications. Led by industry veteran George P. Sutton and by Professor Oscar Biblarz, this book provides interdisciplinary coverage including thermodynamics, aerodynamics, flight performance, propellant chemistry and more. This thoroughly revised ninth edition includes discussion and analysis of recent advances in the field, representing an authoritative reference for students and working engineers alike. In any engineering field, theory is only as useful as it is practical; this book emphasizes relevant real-world applications of fundamental concepts to link “thinking” and “doing”. This book will help readers: Understand the physics of flight and the chemistry of propulsion Analyze liquid, solid, gas, and hybrid propellants, and the engines they fuel Consider high-temperature combustion, stability, and the principles of electric and chemical propulsion Dissect the workings of systems in common use around the world today Delve into the latest advances in materials, systems, propellants, and more Broad in scope, rich in detail, and clear in explanation, this seminal work provides an unparalleled foundation in aerospace engineering topics. Learning through the lens of modern applications untangles complex topics and helps students fully grasp the intricacies on a more intuitive level. Rocket Propulsion Elements, Ninth Edition merges information and utility building a solid foundation for innovation.

Solar Engineering

Solar Engineering
Author: American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Solar Energy Division. Conference
Publisher:
Total Pages: 762
Release: 2003
Genre: Solar energy
ISBN:

Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion

Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion
Author: Dan M. Goebel
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 528
Release: 2008-12-22
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0470436263

Throughout most of the twentieth century, electric propulsion was considered the technology of the future. Now, the future has arrived. This important new book explains the fundamentals of electric propulsion for spacecraft and describes in detail the physics and characteristics of the two major electric thrusters in use today, ion and Hall thrusters. The authors provide an introduction to plasma physics in order to allow readers to understand the models and derivations used in determining electric thruster performance. They then go on to present detailed explanations of: Thruster principles Ion thruster plasma generators and accelerator grids Hollow cathodes Hall thrusters Ion and Hall thruster plumes Flight ion and Hall thrusters Based largely on research and development performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and complemented with scores of tables, figures, homework problems, and references, Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion: Ion and Hall Thrusters is an indispensable textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing to enter the aerospace industry. It also serves as an equally valuable resource for professional engineers already at work in the field.