Big power for space...

Adam — 5/12/2004 1:36:11 AM (archived)

Hi All

Here's a study on a 200 MWe power-system for space...

http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/GLTRS/browse.pl?2001/CR-2001-210767.html

...and it's a BIG mofo. The reactor itself masses 59 tons while the system mass is 485 tons for a 10 year operating life. With advanced reactor design and a few tweaks in the power-generators/heat-management systems about 125 tons get shaved off - hence 360 tons total. That's a specific power of 0.56 kW/kg which is pretty good for nukes. 10 kW/kg would be way better.

Adam

The whole thread (7 posts)

Big power for space... - Adam - 5/12/2004 1:36:11 AM
- re: The Sun is the ultimate nuclear powerplant - Success_Machine - 5/12/2004 5:34:04 AM
  - I believe that you are in error on this statement: "The Sun emits 1366 Watts per square meter of radiant energy." - David F Mayer - 5/12/2004 1:38:50 PM
    - re: There are even MORE correct interpretations than yours - Success_Machine - 5/12/2004 7:27:16 PM
    - re: I believe that you are in error on this statement: "The Sun emits 1366 Watts per square meter of radiant energy." - Doug Ellison - 5/12/2004 1:55:58 PM
      - It's not entirely clear from SM's post what precisely was meant. - et - 5/12/2004 6:30:34 PM
        
        I guessed what he meant. But that was NOT what he SAID. I was being picky, but precise. - David F Mayer - 5/13/2004 3:34:46 AM

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