A survey of heatpipe space nuclear reactor power supply

Abstract

[Background]With the in-depth exploration of space,the power supply requirements for energy supply are gradually increasing.Space nuclear reactor power supply stands out in the deep space exploration mission due to its advantages of passivity,long life and high reliability,hence heat pipe nuclear reactor has become the focus of research in the field of space nuclear reactor.[Purpose]This study aims to evaluate the progress and technology of heat pipe space nuclear reactor used as power supply.[Method]First of all,the conceptual design of heatpipe reactor in the early stage and its application in Kilopower was summarized.Then the details of heatpipe power system(HPS),the heatpipe-operated mars exploration reactor(HOMER),safe affordable fission engine(SAFE)and Kilopower were investigated with emphasis on the structure design,fuel selection,heatpipe arrangement and power design of each reactor.[Results]This survey provides ideas and references for future research and design of heatpipe space nuclear reactor power system.[Conclusions]The design of heatpipe reactor is highly flexible and innovative.The use of different alkali metal heat pipes and thermoelectric conversion methods has a direct impact on the system power and the quality of the entire system.The combination of heat pipe and various thermoelectric conversion methods can be attempted.