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Thermophotovoltaic energy conversion in space nuclear reactor power systems

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / Thermophotovoltaic energy conversion offers a means of efficiently converting heat into electrical power. This has potential benefits for space nuclear reactor power systems currently in development. The primary obstacle to space operation of thermophotovoltaic devices appears to be the low heat rejection temperatures which necessitate large radiator areas. A study of the tradespace between efficiency and radiator size indicates that feasible multi-junction TPV efficiencies result in substantial overall system mass reduction with manageable radiator area. The appendices introduce the endothermodynamic model of a TPV cell and briefly assess the utility of advanced carbon-carbon heat pipe radiator concepts. / Lieutenant, United States Navy

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:nps.edu/oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/1196
Date12 1900
CreatorsPresby, Andrew L.
ContributorsGopinath, Ashok, Michael, Sherif, Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)., Department of Mechanical and Astronautical Engineering
PublisherMonterey California. Naval Postgraduate School
Source SetsNaval Postgraduate School
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Formatxvi, 129 p. : ill. (some col.), application/pdf
RightsThis publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. As such, it is in the public domain, and under the provisions of Title 17, United States Code, Section 105, may not be copyrighted.

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