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High efficiency Dual-Cycle Conversion System using Kr-85
Mark A Prelas1, Modeste Tchakoua Tchouaso2
1Nuclear Science and Engineering Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
Summary
Krypton-85 (Kr-85) shows promise as a safe, efficient fuel for deep space missions. A novel Dual Cycle Conversion System (DCCS) utilizing Kr-85 can significantly boost energy conversion efficiency with minimal mass increase.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Engineering
- Astrophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Krypton-85 (Kr-85) is a byproduct of nuclear fission, readily available in spent nuclear fuel.
- Current deep space mission power sources face limitations in efficiency and mass.
- Kr-85 offers a unique combination of radioactivity and chemical properties suitable for energy conversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Kr-85 as a candidate fuel for deep space missions.
- To assess the performance of a novel Dual Cycle Conversion System (DCCS) using Kr-85.
- To determine the feasibility of improving energy conversion efficiency for space propulsion.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual design of a DCCS integrating Photon Intermediate Direct Energy Conversion (PIDEC) and a Stirling Engine.
- Modeling the Kr-85:Cl gas mixture behavior under beta particle excitation.
- Analysis of energy conversion pathways and system efficiency.
- Calculation of specific power with and without radiation shielding.
Main Results:
- The DCCS demonstrated a potential efficiency increase from 26% to 45% compared to single-cycle systems.
- System mass increase was less than 1% with the DCCS.
- The PIDEC system effectively converted Kr-85 beta decay energy into photons for electricity generation.
- Specific power of the unshielded DCCS was calculated at 6.49 W/kg, with an estimated 2.33 W/kg for the unoptimized shielded design.
Conclusions:
- Kr-85 is a viable and safe fuel candidate for deep space propulsion systems.
- The DCCS offers a significant improvement in energy conversion efficiency for space applications.
- Further optimization of the DCCS design is expected to yield higher specific power values.
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