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High efficiency Dual-Cycle Conversion System using Kr-85.

Mark A Prelas1, Modeste Tchakoua Tchouaso2

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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.

Keywords:
High-efficiencyKrypton-85MulticycleNuclear batterySpace exploration

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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.