Use of Nuclear Energy for Bimodal Applications in Space

摘要

The versatile bimodal nuclear reactor is proposed for producing space station-keeping power of 100's kW and also capable of bursts of power by ramping to 100's MW for short times to operate high power magnetic systems. The particle bed reactor, using half-millimeter diameter fuel particles immersed in coolant, provides the heat transfer capability needed for this power level. The coolant is a gas when directly coupled to a Brayton Cycle and is particularly responsive. The reactor design uses 37 fuel elements in a triangular pattern held in a cylindrical core. The reactor, radiator and turbo-generator are packaged for insertion into the shuttle cargo bay. (ERA citation 11:047522)