A Decoupled Hydrogen Boost Electropumpfor Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA has identified Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) as an advanced propulsion concept for human missions to Mars. It is seeking technologies related to NTP for development of the reactors and technologies needed for ground testing. In the area of ground testing, NASA is interested in approaches to efficiently generate high temperature, high flow rate hydrogen. TGV Rockets, Inc., proposes development of a modular pump based on TGV’s ElectroCycle motor technology to augment a NTP propellant management system. The pump is based on TGV’s ElectroCycle motor technology utilizes cryogenic cooling to boost power density to levels on the order of 11 hp/lb, making it competitive with conventional gas turbine technologies. The electopump approach offers the advantage of predictable flow control, real time engine health management, and tailored mixture ratio control for improved performance. Specific applications include boosting main turbopump performance, smoothing start-up transients, improving shutdown cooling, and distributed flow management . The specific research will size a motor and pump to address NTP start-up transients, evaluate design trades, determine power and thermal requirements, and further investigate opportunities to apply the electropump for performance improvement and reduction of safety risks.