Abstract

The space industry is expanding at an increasing rate. While most efforts are currently focused on Earth and lunar orbits, it is only a matter of time before affordable exploration missions into deep space become more prevalent. Nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) with large quantities of power have been theorized for such missions with many advantages over traditional solar panels and radioisotope power sources. Key among NEP issues has been the power conversion system, often falling upon dynamic cycles over solid-state options like thermoelectric generators (TEGs) because of low efficiencies. Howe Industries has conceptualized a deep space probe capable of transporting cube satellites (CubeSats) and other payloads to deep space utilizing NEP based on an advanced TEG power conversion system with efficiencies that would challenge traditional dynamic power conversion cycles. Experimentation at a TRIGA research reactor has shown a potential for 20 to 50 times increase in electrical conductivity of potential thermoelectric materials, which would correlate to large increases in efficiencies over traditional TEGs.

摘要

航天工业正在以不断增长的速度发展。虽然目前大多数努力都集中在地球和月球轨道上，但负担得起的对深空的探索任务变得越来越普遍只是时间问题。对于这种任务，理论上已将具有大量功率的核电推进（NEP）进行了理论分析，它具有优于传统太阳能电池板和放射性同位素电源的许多优势。NEP问题中的关键是功率转换系统，由于效率低下，它经常由于诸如热电发电机（TEG）的固态选件而处于动态循环中。Howe Industries已设计出一种深空探测器，该探测器能够利用基于先进TEG功率转换系统的NEP，将立方体卫星（CubeSats）和其他有效载荷运送到深空，其效率将挑战传统的动态功率转换周期。在TRIGA研究反应堆上进行的实验表明，潜在热电材料的电导率可能会提高20到50倍，这与传统TEG的效率大幅提高相关。