Publication Date:
2019-07-13
Description:
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.
Keywords:
SPACECRAFT PROPULSION AND POWER
Type:
AIAA PAPER 78-1177
,
Fluid and Plasma Dynamics Conference; Jul 10, 1978 - Jul 12, 1978; Seattle, WA
Format:
text
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