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Results for “RANKINE CYCLE”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Development of a solar-powered residential air conditioner

The initial objective of the program was the optimization (in terms of cost and performance) of a Rankine cycle mechanical refrigeration system which utilizes thermal energy from a flat solar collector for air conditioning residential buildings. However, feasibility investigations of the adsorption process revealed that a dessicant-type air conditioner offers many significant advantages. As a result, limited efforts were expended toward the optimization of such a system.

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NASA NTRS1975

Development of a solar-powered residential air conditioner

An extensive review of the literature was conducted which was concerned with the characterization of systems and equipment that could be applicable to the development of solar-powered air conditioners based on the Rankine cycle approach, and the establishment of baseline data defining the performance, physical characteristics, and cost of systems using the LiBr/H2O absorption cycle.

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NASA NTRS1975

Development of a solar-powered residential air conditioner: Screening analysis

Screening analysis aimed at the definition of an optimum configuration of a Rankine cycle solar-powered air conditioner designed for residential application were conducted. Initial studies revealed that system performance and cost were extremely sensitive to condensing temperature and to the type of condenser used in the system. Consequently, the screening analyses were concerned with the generation of parametric design data for different condenser approaches; i. e., (1) an ambient air condenser, (2) a humidified ambient air condenser (3) an evaporative condenser, and (4) a water condenser (with a cooling tower). All systems feature a high performance turbocompressor and a single refrigerant (R-11) for the power and refrigeration loops. Data were obtained by computerized methods developed to permit system characterization over a broad range of operating and design conditions. The criteria used for comparison of the candidate system approaches were (1) overall system COP (refrigeration effect/solar heat input), (2) auxiliary electric power for fans and pumps, and (3) system installed cost or cost to the user.

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NASA NTRS1977

Solar-powered air-conditioning

Report focuses on recent study on development of solar-powered residential air conditioners and is based on selected literature through 1975. Its purposes are to characterize thermal and mechanical systems that might be useful in development of Rankine-cycle approach to solar cooling and assessment of a Lithium Bromide/Water absorption cycle system.

Clark, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

New options for satellite power systems /SPS/

The operation of a satellite power system (SPS) involves the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy with the aid of facilities carried by a geosynchronous satellite, the transmission of the obtained energy to earth in the form of microwave radio frequency energy, and the conversion of the energy received on earth into dc current for distribution into the network. Attention is given to questions concerning suitable microwave radiation density, details of space transportation for the construction of the SPS, and suitable approaches for the transformation of the solar energy into electric energy. It appears that a Rankine cycle using cesium as the main working fluid and a steam bottoming cycle might have advantages over a Brayton cycle concept considered earlier. In the area of solar photovoltaic concepts GaAlAs cells have advantages over silicon cells related to lighter weight, efficiency, and resistance to space radiation. The required amount of gallium seems to become available.

Hanley, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Solar power satellite system definition study. Part 1 and part 2, volume 2: Technical summary

Practical designs for power transmission were developed to meet requirements and constraints. Microwave link error was analyzed to confirm attainability of acceptable link efficiency. Silicon photovoltaic was determined to be the best overall choice for energy conversion, with a potassium Rankine cycle as the backup choice. Space transportation operations provide low cost because of traffic level, and the payload volume is the launch vehicle design driver. The power cost is 4 to 5 /kwh, which will be competitive with fossil fuel sources by the year 2000.

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NASA NTRS1977

Solar power satellite, system definition study. Part 2, volume 3: SPS satellite systems

The differences in approach to solar energy conversion by solar cells and thermal engine systems are examined. Systems requirements for the solar power satellite (SPS) are given along with a description of the primary subsystems. Trades leading to exact configuration selection, for example, selection of the Rankine cycle operating temperatures are explained, and two satellite configurations are discussed.

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NASA NTRS1978

High temperature solar photon engines

High temperature heat engines designed to make maximum use of the thermodynamic potential of concentrated solar radiation are described. Plasmas between 2000 K and 4000 K can be achieved by volumetric absorption of radiation in alkali metal vapors, leading to thermal efficiencies up to 75% for terrestrial solar power plants and up to 50% for space power plants. Two machines capable of expanding hot plasmas using practical technology are discussed. A binary Rankine cycle uses fluid mechanical energy transfer in a device known as the 'Comprex' or 'energy exchanger.' The second machine utilizes magnetohydrodynamics in a Brayton cycle for space applications. Absorption of solar energy and plasma radiation losses are investigated for a solar superheater using potassium vapor.

Hertzberg, A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Solar power satellites - Heat engine or solar cells

A solar power satellite is the energy-converting element of a system that can deliver some 10 GW of power to utilities on the earth's surface. We evaluated heat engines and solar cells for converting sunshine to electric power at the satellite. A potassium Rankine cycle was the best of the heat engines, and 50 microns thick single-crystal silicon cells were the best of the photovoltaic converters. Neither solar cells nor heat engines had a clear advantage when all factors were considered. The potassium-turbine power plant, however, was more difficult to assemble and required a more expensive orbital assembly base. We therefore based our cost analyses on solar-cell energy conversion, concluding that satellite-generated power could be delivered to utilities for around 4 to 5 cents a kWh.

Oman, H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) Concept Definition Study. Volume 1: Executive Summary

The evolution of a total satellite power is described as well as major subsystem alternatives. Trade study results are given for satellite concepts, ground receiving antennas, satellite construction sites, and transportation. Point design definition, end-to-end analysis, and programmatics are covered. The GaAlAs photovoltaic concept is recommended as the current preliminary baseline satellite concept with silicon photovoltaic and Rankine cycle solar-thermal concepts as viable alternatives. Geosynchronous orbit is preferred for the construction of the satellite. A horizontal takeoff and landing air breathing rocket HLLV concept is preferred for earth-to-LEO transportation, with vertical takeoff options as viable alternatives. An argon electric orbit transfer vehicle is preferred for cargo transport from LEO and GEO orbit, and a chemical LH2/L02, two-stage orbit transfer vehicle is recommended for crew transport. A stripline rectenna array is the current preferred concept.

Hanley, G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Thermal power systems, point-focusing distributed receiver technology project. Volume 2: Detailed report

Thermal or electrical power from the sun's radiated energy through Point-Focusing Distributed Receiver technology is the goal of this Project. The energy thus produced must be economically competitive with other sources. The Project supports the industrial development of technology and hardware for extracting energy from solar power to achieve the stated goal. Present studies are working to concentrate the solar energy through mirrors or lenses, to a working fluid or gas, and through a power converter change to an energy source useful to man. Rankine-cycle and Brayton-cycle engines are currently being developed as the most promising energy converters for our near future needs.

Lucas, J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Phase 1 of the First Solar Small Power System Experiment (experimental System No. 1). Volume 2: Appendix A - D

Recommended conceptual designs for the baseline solar concentrator and electrical subsystems are defined, and trade offs that were evaluated to arrive at the baseline systems are presented. In addition, the developmental history of the Stirling engine is reviewed, the U4 configuration is described, and a Stirling engine heat pipe system is evaluated for solar application where sodium vapor is used as the heat source. An organic Rankine cycle engine is also evaluated for solar small power system application.

Clark, T. B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Phase 1 of the First Small Power System Experiment (engineering Experiment No. 1). Volume 1: Executive Summary

The development of a modular solar thermal power system for application in the 1 to 10 MWe range is presented. The system is used in remote utility applications, small communities, rural areas, and for industrial uses. Investigations are performed on the energy storage requirements and type of energy storage, concentrator design and field optimization, energy transport, and power conversion subsystems. The system utilizes a Rankine cycle, an axial flow steam turbine for power conversion, and heat transfer sodium for collector fluid.

Holl, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Phase 1 of the First Small Power System Experiment (engineering Experiment No. 1). Volume 2: System Concept Selection

The development of a modular solar thermal power system for application in the 1 to 10 MWe range is presented. The system is used in remote utility applications, small communities, rural areas, and for industrial uses. Systems design and systems optimization studies are conducted which consider plant size, annual capacity factors, and startup time as variables. Investigations are performed on the energy storage requirements and type of energy storage, concentrator design and field optimization, energy transport, and power conversion subsystems. The system utilizes a Rankine cycle, an axial flow steam turbine for power conversion, and heat transfer sodium for collector fluid.

Holl, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Phase 1 of the First Small Power System Experiment (engineering Experiment No. 1). Volume 3: Experimental System Descriptions

The design and development of a modular solar thermal power system for application in the 1 to 10 MWe range is described. The system consists of five subsystems: the collector, power conversion, energy transport, energy storage, and the plant control subsystem. The collector subsystem consists of concentrator, receiver, and tower assemblies. The energy transport subsystem uses a mixture of salts with a low melting temperature to transport thermal energy. A steam generator drives a steam Rankine cycle turbine which drives an electrical generator to produce electricity. Thermal and stress analysis tests are performed on each subsystem in order to determine the operational reliability, the minimum risk of failure, and the maintenance and repair characteristics.

Holl, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Early developments in solar cooling equipment

A brief description of a development program to design, fabricate and field test a series of solar operated or driven cooling devices, undertaken by the Marshall Space Flight Center in the context of the Solar Heating and Cooling Demonstration Act of 1974, is presented. Attention is given to two basic design concepts: the Rankine cycle principle and the use of a dessicant for cooling.

Price, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Development of a thermal storage module using modified anhydrous sodium hydroxide

The laboratory scale testing of a modified anhydrous NaOH latent heat storage concept for small solar thermal power systems such as total energy systems utilizing organic Rankine systems is discussed. A diagnostic test on the thermal energy storage module and an investigation of alternative heat transfer fluids and heat exchange concepts are specifically addressed. A previously developed computer simulation model is modified to predict the performance of the module in a solar total energy system environment. In addition, the computer model is expanded to investigate parametrically the incorporation of a second heat exchange inside the module which will vaporize and superheat the Rankine cycle power fluid.

Rice, R. E.↗