Thermodynamic performance of an innovative space nuclear Brayton cycle with S–N2O

The supercritical Brayton cycle system is renowned for its characteristics of elevated high-power density, compact structure, lightweight design, and extended operational lifespan, rendering it as a preeminent energy conversion approach for space nuclear power systems. Using nitrous oxide (N2O) as t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Progress in nuclear energy (New series) 2024-07, Vol.172, p.105215, Article 105215
Main Authors: Miao, Xinyu, Zhang, Haochun, Ma, Fangwei, Lu, Tong, You, Ersheng
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brayton rotating unit mass
Multi-objective optimization
Sensitivity analysis
S–N2O Brayton cycle
Thermodynamic performance
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Summary:The supercritical Brayton cycle system is renowned for its characteristics of elevated high-power density, compact structure, lightweight design, and extended operational lifespan, rendering it as a preeminent energy conversion approach for space nuclear power systems. Using nitrous oxide (N2O) as the working fluid in a supercritical Brayton cycle system enables heightened efficiencies at comparatively lower cycle temperatures. This study examined four distinct layout configurations, culminating in an in-depth analysis of their respective thermodynamic performances. Among the configurations analyzed, the newly proposed recompression Brayton cycle with partial cooling and heat recovery (RBC-PCHR) layout exhibited the best thermodynamic performance compared to other cycle configurations. This superiority can be principally attributed to augmented heat recovery procedures and reduced compression workloads. A detailed multi-objective optimization strategy is subsequently embarked upon, building upon the insights gained from the sensitivity analysis pertaining to the key operating parameters. The optimization outcomes show significant enhancements, with an increase of 1.37% in ηth and 32.18% in MBRU, along with a marginal decrease of 0.70% in ηex. •Proposed an advanced layout of the S–N2O Brayton cycle with high efficiency.•Thermodynamic and BRU mass analyses are performed on the innovative S–N2O cycle.•Sensitivity analysis is performed to study the RBC-PCHR cycle performance.•Multi-objective optimization is presented to efficiencies and MBRU performance.
ISSN:0149-1970
DOI:10.1016/j.pnucene.2024.105215