Thermodynamic Analysis of Space Nuclear Power System Based on AMTEC

Abstract

With the development of exploration in deep space，the power demanding for space probe is also increasing. Space nuclear power system based on AMTEC has been paid widely attention due to its excellent characteristics. The mathematical model for exergy analysis of space nuclear power system is presented based on the first and second law of thermodynamics. Futhuremore，according to the specific characteristics of thermal process in the space nuclear power system，the thermal system was divided into six control volumes. The effects of core temperature and electrode current density on the output power and exergy efficiency of total system and six control volume have been studied. And the results can provided guidance for designing and optimizing system performance. The result shows that the increasing of the core temperature shows a positive impact on the output power and exergy efficiency. With the increasing of electrode current density，the output power and exergy efficiency increases first and then decreases，and each core temperature corresponds to an electrode current density where the output power and exergy efficiency are maximum. The largest part of exergy loss is found to be condenser and evaporator through the comparative analysis.

Keywords

space nuclear power / AMTEC / thermodynamic analysis / exergy loss

References

[1] 朱安文,刘磊,马世俊,等. 空间核动力在深空探测中的应用及发展综述[J]. 深空探测学报(中英文),2017,4(5):397-404
ZHU A W,LIU L,MA S J,et al. An overview of the use and development of nuclear power system in deep space exploration[J]. Journal of Deep Space Exploration,2017,4(5):397-404
[2] 胡古,赵守智. 空间核反应堆电源技术概览[J]. 深空探测学报(中英文),2017,4(5):430-443
HU G,ZHAO S Z. Overview of space nuclear reactor power technology[J]. Journal of Deep Space Exploration,2017,4(5):430-443
[3] EL-GENK M S,TOURNIER J M P,GALLO B M. Dynamic simulation of a space reactor system with closed Brayton cycle loops[J]. Journal of Propulsion and Power,2010,26(3):394-406
[4] CAMPOS M C,VARGAS J V C,ORDONEZ J C. Thermodynamic optimization of a stirling engine[J]. Energy,2012,44(1):902-910
[5] ZIPKIN M A. Technology for large Rankine cycle space power systems[J]. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets,2015,3(7):1106-1112
[6] AKIMOV V N,KOROTEEV A A,KOROTEEV A S. Space nuclear power systems:yesterday,today,and tomorrow[J]. Thermal Engineering,2012,59(13):953-959
[7] BRAGG-SITTON S M，WERNER J E，JOHNSON S G，et al. Ongoing space nuclear systems development in the United States[C]//International Nuclear Atlantic Conference. Vienna：IAEA，2011.
[8] EL-GENK M S. Space nuclear reactor power system concepts with static and dynamic energy conversion[J]. Energy Conversion & Management,2008,49(3):402-411
[9] 吴伟仁,刘继忠,赵小津,等. 空间核反应堆电源研究[J]. 中国科学:技术科学,2019,49(1):1-12
WU W R,LIU J Z,ZHAO X J,et al. System engineering research and application foreground of space nuclear reactor power generators[J]. Scientia Sinica Technologica,2019,49(1):1-12
[10] SIEVERS R，PANTOLIN J，HUANG C. Advanced AMTEC radioisotope power systems for deep space applications[C]//35th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference. Las Vegas，USA：AIAA，2000.
[11] BANKSTON C，COLE T，JONES R，et al. The alkali metal thermoelectric converter（AMTEC）：a new direct energy conversion technology for aerospace power[C]//3rd Joint Thermophysics，Fluids，Plasma and Heat Transfer Conference. Missour，USA：AIAA，1982.
[12] WU S Y,ZHANG Y C,YANG H,et al. Performance evaluation and parametric analysis of AMTEC/TEG hybrid system[J]. Energy Conversion and Management,2017(154):118-126
[13] TANAKA K. Concept design of solar thermal receiver using alkali metal thermal to electric converter(AMTEC)[J]. Current Applied Physics,2010,10(2):S254-6
[14] EL-GENK M S,TOURNIER J M P. “SAIRS”-scalable AMTEC integrated reactor space power system[J]. Progress in Nuclear Energy,2004,45(1):25-69
[15] 张超,刘黎明,陈胜,等. 基于热经济学结构理论的热力系统性能评价[J]. 中国电机工程学报,2005,25(24):108-113
ZHANG C,LIU L M,CHEN S,et al. Performance evaluation of thermal power system based on the structure theory of thermoeconomic[J]. Proceedings of the CSEE,2005,25(24):108-113
[16] DURMAYAZ A,YAVUZ H. Exergy analysis of a pressurized water reactor nuclear-power plant[J]. Applied Energy,2001,69(1):39-57
[17] GOMEZ A,AZZARO-PANTEL C,DOMENECH S,et al. Exergy analysis for Generation IV nuclear plant optimization[J]. International Journal of Energy Research,2010,34(7):609-625
[18] LIOR N. Thoughts about future power generation systems and the role of exergy analysis in their development[J]. Energy Conversion & Management,2002,43(9/12):1187-1198
[19] SAIDUR R,AHAMED J U,MASJUKI H H. Energy,exergy and economic analysis of industrial boilers[J]. Energy Policy,2010,38(5):2188-2197
[20] KANOGLU M,DINCER I,ROSEN M A. Understanding energy and exergy efficiencies for improved energy management in power plants[J]. Energy Policy,2007,35(7):3967-3978