Search Results

While providing these example architectures, this document will develop common definitions for the elements of the architectures by defining: 1 The elements of electrified propulsion architectures, including any dedicated power generation and distribution systems as well as energy storage elements. 2 The interfaces to/from the electrified propulsion system. 3 The interfaces within the electrified propulsion system. 4 Electrical energy management and storage architecture of an electrified propulsion system. ...The application of electric power for aircraft propulsion can take a variety of forms, ranging from partial electric to full electric. The introduction of electric engines to drive propulsors, along with the variety of available methods to generate electricity and store energy offers great degree of new design freedom for next-generation aircraft and aircraft architectures. ...This newfound design freedom exposes a need within the aviation industry to establish a common design language for electrified propulsion. While this need for a common design language is recognized, the intent of this document is to encourage innovation, providing reference architectures as a launching point for future work in this area.

THE NUCLEAR turboelectric ion propulsion system operates as follows: 1. A nuclear reactor supplies thermal energy to a vapor boiler. 2. ...Electric propulsion systems can be used in a wide variety of space missions, including satellite sustainers, lunar cargo transport, and interplanetary missions.*

This makes atomic energy attractive for aircraft propulsion, where it could combine high performance with large payload and long range. Chief obstacles in design of an atomic aircraft engine are development of light-weight shielding against deadly radiations; adequate cans to retain radioactive fission products; a pile capable of operating at high temperature and high thermal stresses; and a safe, flexible control mechanism.

A method that exploits certain properties of a recirculating gas has been investigated as a means of achieving a sustained accelerative vector force without either the expulsion of mass from or a reaction against an external mass by the accelerated body. A theory of operation is presented that defines the capabilities and limitations of the method, and which has resulted in functioning prototypes. The prototype devices require only a source of electric power and a means of cooling to achieve an internally generated, externally measurable accelerative vector force that is sustained for as long as power is supplied to the device.

A trade study comparing the overall benefits in placing large payloads to GEO with the nuclear electric propulsion option shows superiority of nuclear thermal propulsion. The resulting savings in orbital transfer time and the substantial reduction of overall lift requirement enables the use of low-cost launchers for several near-term military satellite missions. ...An integral space power concept provides both the electrical power and propulsion from a common heat source and offers superior performance capabilities over conventional orbital insertion using chemical propulsion systems. ...An integral space power concept provides both the electrical power and propulsion from a common heat source and offers superior performance capabilities over conventional orbital insertion using chemical propulsion systems. This paper describes a hybrid (bimodal) system concept based on a proven, inherently safe solid fuel form for the high temperature reactor core operation and rugged planar thermionic energy converter for long-life steady state electric power production combined with NERVA-based rocket technology for propulsion.

A series hybrid-electric propulsion system has been designed for small rapid-response unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with the goals of improving endurance, providing flexible and responsive electric propulsion, and enabling heavy fuel usage. ...A series hybrid-electric propulsion system has been designed for small rapid-response unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with the goals of improving endurance, providing flexible and responsive electric propulsion, and enabling heavy fuel usage. The series hybrid architecture used a motor-driven propeller powered by a battery bank, which was recharged by an engine-driven generator, similar to other range-extended electric vehicles. ...Development of the hybrid propulsion system is ongoing, with current efforts focused on reducing system mass, packaging, and gearing up for a future hardware demonstration.

Solar electric propulsion (SEP) mission architectures are applicable to a wide range of NASA missions including human Mars exploration and robotic exploration of the outer planets.

Solar electric propulsion (SEP) provides a unique capability for interplanetary missions, although spacecraft designs based on solar power, developed by large flexible arrays, lead to formidable vehicle interactions with attitude control.

This paper summarizes an evaluation of high-power power processing units (PPUs) for multimegawatt (MMW) solar electric propulsion (SEP) vehicles using advanced ion thrusters. Significant economies of scale are possible for PPUs used to supply power to ion thrusters operating at 0.1 to 1.5 MWe per thruster.

The Turboelectric Distributed Propulsion (TeDP) concept uses gas turbine engines as prime movers for generators whose electrical power is used to drive motors and propulsors.

This paper describes the Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) waste heat system and its development, performance, and effectiveness at controlling the temperatures for the propulsion module for the Cassini spacecraft. To explore the Saturn system, the Cassini spacecraft relies on the electrical power from these RTGs, but the large power demand for science and engineering functions severely limits the electrical power available for temperature control. ...The waste heat system transfers heat radiatively and conductively from each RTG to the propulsion module to maintain temperatures and establish a stable temperature sink to which the rest of the orbiter is thermally anchored.

Following the electrification trend observed in the automotive industry, the idea of an electric propulsion aircraft has also drawn attention and investments from a range of aviation industry stakeholders (including the world's largest aerospace companies) focused on both fuel burning reduction and environmental performance improvement (greenhouse gases (GHG), pollutants and noise emissions) potential of electric propulsion technology. Electric propulsion has the potential to provide more efficient, cleaner, quieter and more profitable aviation services, with potential benefits to both airlines and passengers. ...Following the electrification trend observed in the automotive industry, the idea of an electric propulsion aircraft has also drawn attention and investments from a range of aviation industry stakeholders (including the world's largest aerospace companies) focused on both fuel burning reduction and environmental performance improvement (greenhouse gases (GHG), pollutants and noise emissions) potential of electric propulsion technology. ...From a technical perspective , the aviation propulsion electrification strategy might involves the integration of electric powetrains into aircrafts into the i) all electric; ii) hybrid and iii) turboelectric approach.

Turboelectric propulsion is a technology that can potentially reduce aircraft noise, increase fuel efficiency, and decrease harmful emissions. ...One of the primary challenges in implementing turboelectric electric propulsion is designing the power distribution system to transmit power from the generator to the fans. ...A turboelectric propulsion system required the use of inverters and rectifiers. Converter structures and control schemes will be explored and the optimal alternatives for this application will be modeled.

Their potential remains as a key factor for the spacecraft to travel deeper into space in a shorter mission duration. The propulsion concept UNIT is an integrated nuclear propulsion technique that provides high entry, descent and landing (EDL) performance in such short duration to conquer other galaxies. ...Various theoretical propulsion concepts have been evolved over the past years for space missions. Their potential remains as a key factor for the spacecraft to travel deeper into space in a shorter mission duration. ...This paper describes the theoretical approach of the UNIT propulsion system in detail. UNIT produces the highest energy possible by consuming nuclear fuel and possess the highest potential that opens new opportunities for space exploration.

Turboelectric Distributed Propulsion (TeDP) describes a power train consisting of a turboshaft engine which is used solely to provide electrical power through a generator to electric motors driving multiple propulsive fans which are distributed above, below, or inside a wing. ...Recent advancements in electronics, computers, and power distribution have made distributed propulsion feasible and the purpose of the studies described here has been to integrate this new type of propulsion with real airframes designed to specific civilian and military missions. ...Recent advancements in electronics, computers, and power distribution have made distributed propulsion feasible and the purpose of the studies described here has been to integrate this new type of propulsion with real airframes designed to specific civilian and military missions. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

This recommended practice applies to vibration monitoring systems for rotorcraft and fixed-wing drive trains, airframes, propulsion systems, electric power generators, and flight control systems. It addresses all aspects of metrics, including what to measure, how to measure, and how to evaluate the results.

A hybrid space nuclear reactor which can provide both electrical power and thermal propulsion has been found to have significant benefits for near term military satellites. It combines the STAR-C thermionic reactor with NERVA rocket propulsion technology. ...It combines the STAR-C thermionic reactor with NERVA rocket propulsion technology. This hybrid reactor would use a W/UO2 cermet core which was developed in the nuclear rocket program of the 1960's.

Applying solar energy to automobile propulsion has caused designers of solar-powered vehicles to address issues of vehicle system efficiency, requiring research and use of advanced material, battery, and motor technologies.

The performance of the whole aircraft must be considered by examining the dynamic interactions between the power, propulsion, and airframe subsystems. Larger loading demands placed on the power and propulsion subsystems result in thrust, speed, and altitude transients that affect the aircraft performance and capability. ...As aircraft continue to increase their power and thermal demands, transient operation of the power and propulsion subsystems can no longer be neglected at the aircraft system level. The performance of the whole aircraft must be considered by examining the dynamic interactions between the power, propulsion, and airframe subsystems. ...This paper investigates the possibility of using hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) power extraction with real time simulation of the airframe and propulsion subsystems. This method captures the interdependency of engine performance during transient shaft loading (to produce electrical power) and aircraft system-level changes that result from the same power extraction.

Into the DEAP The Distributed Electrical Aerospace Propulsion project looks toward a future optimized integrated propulsion system that will allow cleaner, quieter, and more efficient performance to be incorporated into a radically innovative airframe that will feature enclosed electrically powered fans.