Dynamic model construction of a space thermionic nuclear reactor. (25th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Qian; Sun, Peiwei; Wei, Xinyu; Jia, Yuwen
• Is Part Of: Applied thermal engineering. Volume 212(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07-25
• Subjects: Space thermionic nuclear reactor -- Dynamic model -- Model development -- Numerical simulation -- Steady state characteristics -- Dynamic characteristics; Heat engineering -- Periodicals; Heating -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.40205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2022.118644
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-4311

Abstract

Highlights: A dynamic model of a space thermionic nuclear reactor is derived and established. The dynamic model is verified with design parameters, steady and transient results. Steady and dynamic characteristics of the reactor are simulated and analyzed. The model and dynamic analysis supply solid foundation for the control studies. Abstract: Space nuclear reactors, a mobile power supply equipment that converts nuclear energy to electric energy, have become significant for space exploration power supply, due to its long life and high power density. A detailed and accurate dynamic model is necessary to study the dynamic characteristics and design an appropriate control system. A dynamic model, including a reactor core, heat dissipation, and thermoelectric conversion models, was derived based on the conservation equations. Detailed development process is presented. MATLAB and Simulink were used to implement the model. To verify the developed model, simulations, including the steady state and startup process, were performed. The calculation results agreed well with the design parameters and the results obtained using other transient code. The dynamic characteristics were obtained by introducing the reactor power and reactivity disturbances. The space nuclear reactor can be concluded to have positive reactivity feedback, strong nonlinearity, and a large time delay. In this study, we provide research foundation for future control system design.