A 20,000-Kilowatt Nuclear Turboelectric Power Supply for Manned Space Vehicles

A conceptual design of a nuclear turboelectric powerplant suitable for manned space vehicles is presented. A thermodynamic cycle using sodium vapor as the working fluid and operating at a turbine-inlet temperature of 2500 R was selected. The total powerplant weight was calculated to be approximately 6 pounds per kilowatt. The radiator necessary for rejecting cycle waste heat contributes approximately 2.1 pounds per kilowatt to the total weights whereas the reactor and reactor shield contribute approximately 0.24 and 1.2 pounds per kilowatt, respectively. (auth)