Session: 19-02 Applications

Paper Number: 151152

Highly Efficient Recuperated Brayton Convertor for Lunar Power Applications: Cycle and Conceptual Turbomachinery Design 

This paper focuses on the conceptual design of an advanced closed Brayton convertor with high temperatures for efficient power generation in space using Helium-Xenon (He-Xe) mixture as the working fluid. Operating boundaries and specific design requirements for the proposed system include a turbine inlet temperature ranging from 1500-1700 K, a compressor inlet temperature exceeding 400 K, a power output of 25 KWe at a specific power greater than 10 kg/kWe, an exergy efficiency surpassing 35%, and a maintenance-free service life of at least 10 years. Given these system requirements optimal cycle operating conditions were identified, followed by the conceptual design of the turbomachinery, which includes the compressor, turbine, alternator, rotor assembly, bearings, heat exchangers and piping. The drivetrain configuration utilizes process gas lubricated foil bearings and an immersed electric machine, which enables oil-free and leakage free operation of the power system. Primary risks identified while advancing the concept include thermal management and development of advanced high temperature materials with appropriate manufacturing processes. This work explores and leverages several novel technologies to achieve the challenging performance requirements and is foundational for the technology maturation of advanced power generation systems which would enable sustained long-term presence on the Lunar, Martian surfaces, and other deep-space missions.

Presenting Author: Gregory Daines General Electric Aerospace Research

Presenting Author Biography: Mr. Daines is the principal investigator for the NASA ARCHES Program. He has over 8 years of experience in high-speed turbomachinery for power generation and cryocooler applications, as well as thermal management in microgravity. At General Electric Aerospace, Mr. Daines focuses on thermal management technologies, heat exchanger design, and modelling of novel power generation and thermal management cycles with applications to commercial aviation.

Authors:

Gregory Daines General Electric Aerospace Research
Lokaditya Ryali General Electric Aerospace Research
Nicholas Candelino General Electric Aerospace Research
Bugra Ertas General Electric Aerospace Research
Todd Jankowski General Electric Aerospace Research
Giridhar Jothiprasad General Electric Aerospace Research
Gregory Natsui General Electric Aerospace Research
Eyitayo Owoeye General Electric Aerospace Research
Brian M Rush General Electric Aerospace Research
Thomas Vandeputte General Electric Aerospace Research
John R Yagielski General Electric Aerospace Research
Leyue Zhang General Electric Aerospace Research