Application of Electromagnetic Annular Linear Induction PumpsTechnology for Waste Heat Rejection and Power Conversion

摘要

The U.S.-sponsored Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) program will require a lightrnweight, efficient, and reliable power generation system capable of a 20+ year lifespan. Thisrnrequirement has renewed interest in orbiter technological development. Sub-components of thernorbiter system are the primary and secondary power conversion/heat rejection systems for bothrnthe proposed nuclear reactors and Brayton cycle heat engines. Brayton-cycle conversionrntechnology has been identified as an excellent candidate for nuclear electric propulsion (NEP)rnpower conversion systems. The conversion/rejection systems for these components typicallyrnutilize pumped molten metal as the heat transfer medium. Electromagnetic (EM) Annular LinearrnInduction Pumps (ALIPs) are ideal for this purpose as they can operate at moderate to highrnefficiency, at elevated temperature, do not involve moving parts (solid-state; long life), and requirernno bearings or seals. A parametric study was performed to develop a suite of ALIP preliminaryrndesigns capable of providing specified pressure and mass flow rate ranges for the proposedrnNaK(78) Brayton-cycle heat rejection loop. A limited study was also performed for the proposedrnlithium-cooled nuclear reactor heat transport loops, however, the design of these units is still in itsrninfancy. Both studies were conducted by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) with thernMHD Systems’ ALIP Design Code. The studies focused on designing ALIPs that displayedrnreasonably high efficiency and low source voltages as well as low mass and smallest geometricrnenvelope.