textfiles/bbs/KEELYNET/GRAVITY/ion4.asc

67 lines
3.0 KiB
Plaintext

(word processor parameters LM=8, RM=78, TM=2, BM=2)
Taken from KeelyNet BBS (214) 324-3501
Sponsored by Vangard Sciences
PO BOX 1031
Mesquite, TX 75150
August 3, 1990
Courtesy of NASA BBS at 205 895-0028
--------------------------------------------------------------------
POWER PROCESSING
Power processors for primary-propulsion thrusters have been
under development for several years. Early tests defined the power
supply characteristics and control logic systems required to operate
over large ranges of power and thrust.
Processors capable of operating in vacuum have been developed.
These processors, which include 12 separate power supplies and
associated control logic, have electrical efficiences from 0.8 to
0.92 over the thruster operating range.
Although these efficiences are high, the large power requirement
of the thruster (2.75 kW) implies that significant amounts of heat
must be removed from each power processor. Meeting the thermal
control requirements of the power processor challenges the designer,
and a number of studies have been made to formulate systems
approaches.
One candidate concept uses variable-conductance heat pipes
similar to those used on the Communications Technology Satellite
(CTS), launched in 1976.
The power processors in the concept are buried within the
spacecraft body, and their waste heat is transported by heat pipes
to radiators for injection to space (ref. 10). This concept, which
among other features, such as eliminating the need for thermal-
control louvers, provides excellent isolation of the power
processors from the environment. And, thus, the impact of the
multiple-mission capability requirement on spacecraft design
is minimized.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have comments or other information relating to such topics as
this paper covers, please upload to KeelyNet or send to the Vangard
Sciences address as listed on the first page. Thank you for your
consideration, interest and support.
Jerry W. Decker.........Ron Barker...........Chuck Henderson
Vangard Sciences/KeelyNet
--------------------------------------------------------------------
If we can be of service, you may contact
Jerry at (214) 324-8741 or Ron at (214) 484-3189
--------------------------------------------------------------------