Solar-electric propulsion system performance for a close solar probe mission.
Suitability of Saturn IB/Centaur and Atlas/ Centaur launched solar-electric propulsion vehicles for performing 0.1-AU solar probe mission
ELECTRIC PROPULSION↗
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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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Solar-electric propulsion system performance for the 0.1-AU solar probe mission.
Suitability of Saturn IB/Centaur and Atlas/ Centaur launched solar-electric propulsion vehicles for performing 0.1-AU solar probe mission
ELECTRIC PROPULSION↗
An Approach for Utilizing Power Flow Modeling for Simulations of Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems
This paper describes an approach to creating simulations of the electric components for a hybrid electric propulsionsystem. The proposed modeling technique is based on power/load flow modeling and is designed to provide a modularframework that includes buses, lines, and other electrical components that can be connected together to form the electrical distribution system. The purpose of this paper is to detail an electric distribution system modeling technique and to demonstrate how these models may be integrated with turbomachinery simulations. These general modeling techniques were created to be utilized for system and control design studies. Additionally, steady-state and dynamic performance for a proposed model example is compared with data from a hardware in the loop simulation.
Power Flow↗
Development of a High-Propellant Throughput Small Spacecraft Electric Propulsion System (HT-SSEP) to Enable Lower Cost NASA Science Missions
Discusses progress at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in the development and demonstration of an integrated high-propellant throughput small spacecraft electric propulsion (HT-SSEP) system based on a Hall-effect thruster. A center-mounted cathode and an innovative magnetic circuit topology were implemented in the design of the Hall-effect thruster to achieve high-propellant throughput, high performance, and efficient packaging. To minimize technical risk, the HT-SSEP development approach sought to limit design features and materials to those with a clear path-to-flight. A propellant throughput capability of greater than 100 kilograms at a minimum thruster efficiency of 50 percent was targeted. The proof-of-concept NASA-H64M laboratory model (LM) thruster was designed, fabricated, and tested at GRC in fiscal year 2018. The thruster development leveraged heritage Hall-effect thruster design and manufacturing processes wherever appropriate. Recent NASA advances in Hall-effect thruster technology were also leveraged. A scalable discharge power supply (DPS) capable of powering the H64M-LM was developed, then demonstrated as part of an integrated system test. The DPS uses commercial off-the-shelf components with spaceflight equivalents. A keeper supply with DC ignitor was breadboarded, then demonstrated with a laboratory cathode. Finally, feed system trade studies were performed to ascertain what feed system architecture might be appropriate for an HT-SSEP system. This paper details the motivations for the project, the development approach, the chosen sub-system architectures, design considerations, and test results.
Benavides, Gabriel↗
Development of a High-Propellant Throughput Small Spacecraft Electric Propulsion System to Enable Lower Cost NASA Science Missions
This paper describes recent progress at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in the development and demonstration of an integrated high-propellant throughput small spacecraft electric propulsion (HT-SSEP) system based on a Hall-effect thruster. A center-mounted cathode and an innovative magnetic circuit topology were implemented in the design of the Hall-effect thruster to achieve high-propellant throughput, high performance, and efficient packaging. To minimize technical risk, the HT-SSEP development approach sought to limit design features and materials to those with a clear path-to-flight. A propellant throughput capability of greater than 100 kg at a minimum thruster efficiency of 50% was targeted. The proof-of-concept NASA-H64M laboratory model (LM) thruster was designed, fabricated, and tested at GRC in fiscal year 2018. The thruster development leveraged heritage Hall-effect thruster design and manufacturing processes wherever appropriate. Recent NASA advances in Hall-effect thruster technology were also leveraged. A scalable discharge power supply (DPS) capable of powering the H64M-LM was developed, then demonstrated as part of an integrated system test. The DPS uses commercial off-the-shelf components with spaceflight equivalents. A keeper supply with DC ignitor was breadboarded, then demonstrated with a laboratory cathode. Finally, feed system trade studies were performed to ascertain what feed system architecture might be appropriate for an HT-SSEP system. This paper details the motivations for the project, the development approach, the chosen sub-system architectures, design considerations, and test results.
Benavides, Gabriel F.↗
Development of a High-Propellant Throughput Small Spacecraft Electric Propulsion System to Enable Lower Cost NASA Science Missions
This paper describes recent progress at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in the development and demonstration of an integrated high-propellant throughput small spacecraft electric propulsion (HT-SSEP) system based on a Hall-effect thruster. A center-mounted cathode and an innovative magnetic circuit topology were implemented in the design of the Hall-effect thruster to achieve high-propellant throughput, high performance, and efficient packaging. To minimize technical risk, the HT-SSEP development approach sought to limit design features and materials to those with a clear path-to-flight. A propellant throughput capability of greater than 100 kg at a minimum thruster efficiency of 50% was targeted. The proof-of-concept NASA-H64M laboratory model (LM) thruster was designed, fabricated, and tested at GRC in fiscal year 2018. The thruster development leveraged heritage Hall-effect thruster design and manufacturing processes wherever appropriate. Recent NASA advances in Hall-effect thruster technology were also leveraged. A scalable discharge power supply (DPS) capable of powering the H64M-LM was developed, then demonstrated as part of an integrated system test. The DPS uses commercial off-the-shelf components with spaceflight equivalents. A keeper supply with DC ignitor was breadboarded, then demonstrated with a laboratory cathode. Finally, feed system trade studies were performed to ascertain what feed system architecture might be appropriate for an HT-SSEP system. This paper details the motivations for the project, the development approach, the chosen sub-system architectures, design considerations, and test results.
Benavides, Gabriel F.↗
Thermionic spacecraft design study, 120 kw nuclear electric propulsion system. Volume 2: External fuel reactor spacecraft design
Design and development of electrically propelled spacecraft based on external-fuel reactor concepts for thermionic reactors - Vol. 2
Source record↗
Modeling and Simulation of a Parallel Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System - Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) Program
Electrified aircraft propulsion concepts have been proposed to meet aggressive future performance and environmental goals for the next generation of aircraft. However, electrified aircraft present a unique modeling and simulation challenge as they introduce multiple energy sources to the propulsion system, providing various means to meet thrust requirements, compared to conventional gas turbine propulsion architectures where only fuel is available. Additionally, the introduction of an electric powertrain to the existing system enables multiple electrified flight modes to exist (i.e. eTaxi, climb boost, takeoff boost, etc.), further increasing the complexity of the modeling environment. As part of the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration program, this paper presents a modeling and simulation framework for a parallel hybrid-electric propulsion concept using the Environmental Design Space simulation tool. Electrical components are modeled in NPSS, and an overall sizing methodology is introduced. Finally, various operational modes of the electric powertrain are modeled and tested and their impact on key performance parameters is evaluated.
hybrid electric propulsion↗
Identification of mission sensitivities for high-power electric propulsion systems
This paper presents the results of mission analyses that expose various mission performance sensitivities and system advantages of the ALFA technology for a small but representative subset of nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) missions considered under NASA's Project Prometheus.
nuclear electric propulsion↗
Ion Velocity Characterization of the 12.5-kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System Engineering Hall Thruster
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Electric propulsion↗
Test Facilities in Support of High Power Electric Propulsion Systems
Successful development of space fission systems requires an extensive program of affordable and realistic testing. In addition to tests related to design/development of the fission system, realistic testing of the actual flight unit must also be performed. If the system is designed to operate within established radiation damage and fuel burn up limits while simultaneously being designed to allow close simulation of heat from fission using resistance heaters, high confidence in fission system performance and lifetime can be attained through non-nuclear testing. Through demonstration of systems concepts (designed by DOE National Laboratories) in relevant environments, this philosophy has been demonstrated through hardware testing in the High Power Propulsion Thermal Simulator (HPPTS). The HPPTS is designed to enable very realistic non-nuclear testing of space fission systems. Ongoing research at the HPPTS is geared towards facilitating research, development, system integration, and system utilization via cooperative efforts with DOE labs, industry, universities, and other NASA centers. Through hardware based design and testing, the HPPTS investigates High Power Electric Propulsion (HPEP) component, subsystem, and integrated system design and performance.
VanDyke, Melissa↗
Nuclear electric propulsion systems overview
The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: nuclear propulsion background; schedule for the nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) project; NEP for the Space Exploration Initiative; NEP on-going systems tasks; 20KWe mission/system study; and agenda.
Doherty, Michael P.↗
The Pegasus drive - A multi-megawatt nuclear electric propulsion system
Pegasus, a power generating system for use in space, is multimegawatt power system that would enable missions of almost any conceivable duration and scope. The Pegassus Drive is the coupling of this nuclear electric power system with a 6 MWe MPD thruster. The power system has a maximum power output of 8.5 MWe. The MPD thruster requires 6 MWe to provide spacecraft propulsion and 1.5 MWe are available for mission-specific tasks and experiments. The balance of power generated is used to operate the power system. The size and mass limitations of the STS are of prime consideration in the design of this system to allow the collapsed system to be placed in lower earth orbit by two Shuttle missions. The main system (19,120 kg) employing a shadow shield would require one launch and the balance of the four-pi shield (27,830 kg) would occupy the second launch. Development of this power system could be completed by the mid 1990's and the system available near the turn of the century.
Coomes, E. P.↗
Self-powered electric propulsion of satellite power systems
Electric propulsion using argon ion bombardment thrusters is described as a means of transferring solar power satellites from low earth orbit (LEO) to geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO). A portion of the satellite GaAs solar array is constructed in LEO and provides power for ascent propulsion; the remainder of the array is constructed in GEO. The electric propulsion system is returned to LEO by detaching a section of the solar array. Alternatively, an autonomous electric propulsion vehicle is assembled in LEO and transports power satellite materials to a GEO construction site. Maximum thrust per thruster and minimum argon consumption are achieved at specific impulse (Isp) 13,000 s. The thrust/power relationship leads to minimum transportation vehicle mass, including the solar array, at Isp 9,000 s. Thruster screen, accel, and discharge supplies are obtained directly from the solar array.
Weddell, J. B.↗
Propulsion Powertrain Real-Time Simulation Using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) for Aircraft Electric Propulsion System
It is essential to design a propulsion powertrain real-time simulator using the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) system that emulates an electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) systems power grid. This simulator would enable us to facilitate in-depth understanding of the system principles, to validate system model analysis and performance prediction, and to demonstrate the proof-of-concept of the EAP electrical system. This paper describes how subscale electrical machines with their controllers can mimic the power components in an EAP powertrain. In particular, three powertrain emulations are presented to mimic 1) a gas turbo-=shaft engine driving a generator, consisting of two permanent magnet (PM) motors with brushless motor drives, coupled by a shaft, 2) a motor driving a propulsive fan, and 3) a turbo-shaft engine driven fan (turbofan engine) operation. As a first step towards the demonstration, experimental dynamic characterization of the two motor drive systems, coupled by a mechanical shaft, were performed. The previously developed analytical motor models1 were then replaced with the experimental motor models to perform the real-time demonstration in the predefined flight path profiles. This technique can convert the plain motor system into a unique EAP power grid emulator that enables rapid analysis and real-time simulation performance using hardware-in-the-loop (HIL).
turbo-electric propulsion↗
Electric propulsion system technology
The work performed on the Ion Propulsion System Technology Task in FY90 is described. The objectives of this work fall under two broad categories. The first of these deals with issues associated with the application of xenon ion thrusters for primary propulsion of planetary spacecraft, and the second with the investigation of technologies which will facilitate the development of larger, higher power ion thrusters to support more advanced mission applications. Most of the effort was devoted to investigation of the critical issues associated with the use of ion thrusters for planetary spacecraft. These issues may be succinctly referred to as life time, system integration, and throttling. Chief among these is the engine life time. If the engines do not have sufficient life to perform the missions of interest, then the other issues become unimportant. Ion engine life time was investigated through two experimental programs: an investigation into the reduction of ion engine internal sputter erosion through the addition of small quantities of nitrogen, and a long duration cathode life test. In addition, a literature review and analysis of accelerator grid erosion were performed. The nitrogen addition tests indicated that the addition of between 0.5 and 1.0 percent of nitrogen by mass to the xenon propellant results in a reduction in the sputter erosion of discharge chamber components by a factor of between 20 and 50, with negligible reduction in thruster performance. The long duration test of a 6.35-mm dia. xenon hollow cathode is still in progress, and has accumulated more than 4,000 hours of operation at an emission current of 25 A at the time of this writing. One of the major system integration issues concerns possible interactions of the ion thruster produced charge exchange plasma with the spacecraft. A computer model originally developed to describe the behavior of mercury ion thruster charge exchange plasmas was resurrected and modified for xenon propellant. This model enables one to calculate the flow direction and local density of the charge exchange plasma, and indicates the degree to which this plasma can flow upstream of the thruster exhaust plane. A continuing effort to investigate the most desirable throttling technique for noble gas ion thrusters concentrated this year on experimentally determining the fixed flow rate throttling range of a 30-cm dia. thruster with a two-grid accelerator system. These experiments demonstrated a throttling capability which covers a 2.8 to 1 variation in input power. This throttling range is 55 percent greater than expected, and is due to better accelerator system performance at low net-to-total voltage ratios than indicated in the literature. To facilitate the development of large, higher power ion thrusters several brief studies were performed. These include the development of a technique which simulates ion thruster operation without beam extraction, the development of an optical technique to measure ion thruster grid distortion due to thermal expansion, tests of a capacitance measurement technique to quantify the accelerator system grid separation, and the development of a segmented thruster geometry which enables near term development of ion thrusters at power levels greater than 100 kW. Finally, a paper detailing the benefits of electric propulsion for the Space Exploration Initiative was written.
Brophy, John R.↗
Mass comparisons of electric propulsion systems for NSSK of geosynchronous spacecraft
A model was developed and exercised to allow wet mass comparisons of three axis stabilized communication satellites delivered to geosynchronous transfer orbit. The mass benefits of using advanced chemical propulsion for apogee injection and north-south stationkeeping (NSSK) functions or electric propulsion (hydrazine arcjets and xenon ion thrusters) for NSSK functions are documented. A large derated ion thrusters is proposed which minimizes thruster lifetime concerns and qualification test times when compared to those of smaller ion thrusters planned for NSSK applications. The mass benefits, which depend on the spacecraft mass and mission duration, increase dramatically with arcjet specific impulse in the 500 to 600 s range, but are nearly constant for the derated ion thruster operated in the 2300 to 3000 s range. For a given mission, the mass benefits with an ion system are typically double those of the arcjet system; however, the total thrusting time with arcjets is less than 1/3 that with ion thrusters for the same thruster power. The mass benefits may permit increases in revenue producing payload or reduce launch costs by allowing a move to a smaller launch vehicle.
Rawlin, Vincent K.↗
Mass comparisons of electric propulsion systems for NSSK of geosynchronous spacecraft
A model was developed and exercised to allow wet mass comparisons of three-axis stabilized communications satellites delivered to geosynchronous transfer orbit. The mass benefits of using advanced chemical propulsion for apogee injection and north-south stationkeeping (NSSK) functions or electric propulsion (hydrazine arcjets and xenon ion thrusters) for NSSK functions are documented. A large derated ion thruster is proposed which minimizes thruster lifetime concerns and qualification test times when compared to those of smaller ion thrusters planned for NSSK applications. The mass benefits, which depend on the spacecraft mass and mission duration, increase dramatically with arcjet specific impulse in the 500-600 s range, but are nearly constant for the derated ion thruster operated in the 2300-3000 s range. For a given mission, the mass benefits with an ion system are typically double those of the arcjet system; however, the total thrusting time with arcjets is less than one-third that with ion thrusters for the same thruster power.
Rawlin, V. K.↗