Mini-BRU/BIPS 1300 watt (sub)e dynamic power conversion system development: Executive summary

Abstract

The status of the Brayton Isotope Power System (BIPS) is summarized. A 1200 watt sub e ground development unit was built and tested in a 0.000010 torr vacuum environment. Peformance mapping and 1000 hours of proof of concept system testing were completed. Specific components, primarily turbocompressor/alternator and recuperator performed according to predictions, thus achieving the design goal of 25 percent net power conversion efficiency. The system was fabricated from superalloy (Hastelloy-X and Waspaloy) thus placing it entirely within current state-of-the-art technology. The system could be flyable in the early 1980's pending flight qualification.