Unconventional Space Power Using Gas Turbine Systems

Developing a long endurance, high energy power supply for space based systems that is reliable, capable of high voltage generation, and with significantly better weight to performance characteristics than current photovoltaic systems is the goal of this effort. Surface Optics Corporation proposes development of a novel gas turbine system based on an innovative thermal energy source, the Greenhouse Balloon (GHB). In addition to offering superior weight-to-performance characteristics, a GHB based system will offer the advantages of high reliability, high power density and excellent compatibility with high voltage systems. One of the principal design issues in any space-based turbine power system is the thermal energy source. Nuclear thermal energy sources have safety concerns associated with them. Focused solar collection systems are excellent energy sources, but require accurate pointing and tracking and may not work under certain conditions. The GHB, a solar collection system using spherical collectors, removes the need for accurate tracking and pointing, and provides the necessary thermal energy to drive the turbine. In this effort SOC will evaluate the GHB concept relative to focused solar and nuclear sources, and present a preliminary system design with trade matrices based on the GHB concept.