Thermodynamic analysis of nuclear closed cycle MHD space power system

Abstract

The results of thermodynamic analysis of a nuclear closed cycle MHD space power system are presented. Questions concerning the choice of optimal efficiency are examined. A thermodynamic model is developed for the closed cycle MHD (CCMHD) power system to analyze the plant efficiency for various radiator temperature, enthalpy extraction, isentropic efficiency, number of compressor stages and regenerator efficiency. The results show that radiator temperature has large effect on plant efficiency, lower radiator temperature is favorable for achieving higher plant efficiency but to the disadvantage of lower specific mass. For the given closed cycle system, the enthalpy extraction has an optimal value for the highest plant efficiency. Increasing the number of compressor stages will increase the plant efficiency, however, the beneficial effect is not significant beyond three. Larger isentropic efficiency and regenerator efficiency is good for achieving higher plant efficiency. For the above five parameters, the enthalpy extraction and regenerator efficiency have a large influence on the mass flow rete, while the others not. These analysis results can be applied for the design of space close cycle MHD power system.