NASA Developing Fission Surface Power Technology
- From: baalke@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:56:54 -0700 (PDT)
Sept. 10, 2008
Stephanie Schierholz/Grey Hautaluoma
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-4997/0668
stephanie.schierholz@xxxxxxxx
grey.hautaluoma-1@xxxxxxxx
Katherine K. Martin
Glenn Research Center, Cleveland
216-433-2406
katherine.k.martin@xxxxxxxx
RELEASE: 08-227
NASA DEVELOPING FISSION SURFACE POWER TECHNOLOGY
CLEVELAND -- NASA astronauts will need power sources when they return
to the moon and establish a lunar outpost. NASA engineers are
exploring the possibility of nuclear fission to provide the necessary
power and taking initial steps toward a non-nuclear technology
demonstration of this type of system.
A fission surface power system on the moon has the potential to
generate a steady 40 kilowatts of electric power, enough for about
eight houses on Earth. It works by splitting uranium atoms in a
reactor to generate heat that then is converted into electric power.
The fission surface power system can produce large amounts of power
in harsh environments, like those on the surface of the moon or Mars,
because it does not rely on sunlight. The primary components of
fission surface power systems are a heat source, power conversion,
heat rejection and power conditioning, and distribution.
"Our goal is to build a technology demonstration unit with all the
major components of a fission surface power system and conduct
non-nuclear, integrated system testing in a ground-based space
simulation facility," said Lee Mason, principal investigator for the
test at NASA's Glenn Center in Cleveland. "Our long-term goal is to
demonstrate technical readiness early in the next decade, when NASA
is expected to decide on the type of power system to be used on the
lunar surface."
Glenn recently contracted for the design and analysis of two
different
types of advanced power conversion units as an early step in the
development of a full system-level technology demonstration. These
power conversion units are necessary to process the heat produced by
the nuclear reactor and efficiently convert it to electrical power.
The first design concept by Sunpower Inc., of Athens, Ohio, uses two
opposed piston engines coupled to alternators that produce 6
kilowatts each, or a total of 12 kilowatts of power. The second
contract with Barber Nichols Inc. of Arvada, Colo., is for
development of a closed Brayton cycle engine that uses a high speed
turbine and compressor coupled to a rotary alternator that also
generates 12 kilowatts of power.
"Development and testing of the power conversion unit will be a key
factor in demonstrating the readiness of fission surface power
technology and provide NASA with viable and cost-effective options
for nuclear power on the moon and Mars," said Don Palac, manager of
Glenn's Fission Surface Power Project.
After a one year design and analysis phase, a single contractor will
be selected to build and test a prototype power conversion unit. When
complete, the power conversion unit will be integrated with the other
technology demonstration unit's major components. Glenn will develop
the heat rejection system and provide the space simulation facility.
Glenn also will work in conjunction with the Department of Energy and
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Marshall will
develop and provide a non-nuclear reactor simulator with liquid metal
coolant as the heat source unit for the technology demonstration.
A nuclear reactor used in space is much different than Earth-based
systems. There are no large concrete cooling towers, and the reactor
is about the size of an office trash can. The energy produced from a
space reactor also is much smaller but more than adequate for the
projected power needs of a lunar outpost.
Testing of the non-nuclear system is expected to take place at Glenn
in 2012 or 2013. These tests will help verify system performance
projections, develop safe and reliable control methods, gain valuable
operating experience, and reduce technology and programmatic risks.
This technology demonstration is being conducted as part of NASA's
Exploration Technology Development Program.
For an artist's concept of a fission surface power system, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/news/pressrel/2008/08-042addm.html
For more information about NASA's exploration program, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration
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