Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Powell, A. H..
Three phase helical, electromagnetic induction pump for use as boiler feed pump in potassium Rankine-cycle power system is described. Techniques for fabricating components of pump are discussed. Specifications of pump are analyzed.
A three-phase helical induction electromagnetic (EM) pump has been designed and built. This pump was designed for use as the boiler-feed pump of a potassium Rankine-cycle space electric power system. The pump is constructed of high temperature materials including a T-111 duct, Hiperco 27 magnetic material, nickel clad silver conductor wire, and a completely inorganic insulation system. The pump is designed to deliver 3.25 lb/sec potassium at 1000 F with a developed head of 240 psi while being cooled by 800 F NaK. At these conditions, the overall pump efficiency is expected to be 18%.
A direct-current contactor for use in large space power systems was designed, built, and tested. It was developed to be operational in an environment of 540 C and at a pressure of 0.0001 N/sq m or lower. The contactor is rated to pass 10 A continuously and to interrupt a 20-A current at 10,000 V. It was tested to determine the corona threshold level and the leakage current at different temperatures. Also, it was tested for its closing and interruption ability.
A three-phase helical induction electromagnetic pump designed for the boiler feed pump of a potassium Rankine cycle space power system was developed and built. It was mounted in a liquid metal test loop and successfully tested over a range of potassium temperatures from 900 to 1400 F, flow rates from 0.75 to 4.85 lb/sec, developed pressures up to 340 psi, net positive suction head from 1 to 22 psi, and NaK coolant temperatures from 800 to 950 F. Maximum efficiency at design point conditions of 3.25 lb/sec flow rate, 240 psi developed head, 1000 F potassium inlet temperature, and 800 F NaK coolant inlet temperature was 16.3 percent. After the performance tests the pump was operated without any difficulty at design point for 10,000 hours, and then a limited number of repeat performance tests were made. There was no appreciable change in pump performance after 10,000 hours of operation. A supplementary series of tests using the quasi-square wave power output of a dc to three-phase ac inverter showed that the pump would operate without difficulty at a frequency as low as 25 Hz, with little loss in efficiency.
A three-phase helical induction electromagnetic pump, designed for the boiler-feed pump of a potassium Rankine-cycle space power system, was built and tested. The pump was tested over a range of potassium temperatures from 900 to 1400 F, flow rates from 0.75 to 4.85 lb/sec, developed pressures up to 340 psi, net positive suction heads (NPSH) from 1 to 22 psi, and NaK coolant temperatures from 800 to 950 F. The maximum efficiency at the pump design point of 3.25 lb/sec flow rate, 240 psi developed pressure, 1000 F potassium inlet temperature, and 800 F NaK coolant temperature was 16.3 percent. The tests also showed successful operation of the pump at an NPSH as low as 1.5 psi without cavitating.
Design, performance, and evaluation of switchgear for space nuclear electrical systems
Gold-nickel brazing alloy, with 5 percent indium added to depress the melting point, is used for brazing of nickel-clad silver electrical conductors which operate at temperatures to 1200 deg F. Alloy has low resistivity, requires no flux, and is less corrosive than other gold-nickel, gold-copper alloys.
Helical induction boiler feed electromagnetic pump design, fabrication and testing for potassium Rankine cycle space power system
Inconel compression springs for long term space power system operation in high temperature vacuum
Circuit breakers and electric switch developments for future nuclear electric power generation systems operating in aerospace environments
Development of electric switchgear for space nuclear electric systems - vacuum interrupter, actuator, and test facilities
Electrical switchgear for space nuclear electrical systems - testing of circuit breakers, engine contractors, and actuators
Switchgear development for space nuclear electrical systems
Electric switchgear for space nuclear power - vacuum interrupter switch and actuator
Design, development, and testing of ground prototype ac circuit breakers and dc engine contactors for space nuclear electric system