Multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system

Abstract

This invention provides a multi-redundant space nuclear power source combined thermoelectric conversion system, belonging to the field of space power generation. It solves the problems of easy failure of liquid pumps in traditional space nuclear power systems and easy failure of compressors in closed Brayton systems, which in turn lead to the inability of detectors to function properly. It mainly includes a closed Brayton system and a liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation system. The closed Brayton system includes a compressor, generator, turbine, regenerator, radiator, and semiconductor thermoelectric generator. The liquid MHD power generation system includes a nuclear reactor, liquid metal pump, gas-liquid separator, MHD nozzle, gas-liquid two-phase mixing section, and MHD power generation channel. It effectively utilizes the advantages of high output power, strong system stability, and long service life of space nuclear power sources. This invention is also applicable to space missions such as deep space exploration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of space power generation technology, specifically to a multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system. Background Technology

[0002] Space exploration technology is a key element in measuring a nation's comprehensive strength, and its development level largely reflects a country's competitiveness in the aerospace field. In today's globalized world, competition in the aerospace sector is increasingly fierce, highlighting the growing importance of space exploration technology. my country's active exploration and continuous breakthroughs in space exploration are of paramount strategic significance for its goal of becoming a space power.

[0003] Power sources in space missions are mainly classified into four types: chemical energy sources, solar energy sources, radioactive isotope energy sources, and space nuclear reactors. Among them, space nuclear power sources have advantages such as high output power, strong system stability, and long operating time, making them suitable for deep space exploration. The choice of thermoelectric conversion type for nuclear reactor power sources is of great significance, as the system type determines energy utilization efficiency, output power, and overall system mass. Existing research has found that under conditions of high reactor outlet temperature and high power demand, a dynamic Brayton cycle coupled with the reactor offers significant advantages. However, for coupled systems, the compressor and liquid metal pump are prone to failure, and since they are crucial to the system's operational stability and safety, appropriate emergency measures are necessary.

[0004] In summary, traditional space nuclear power systems suffer from problems such as the susceptibility of liquid pumps to failure and the susceptibility of compressors in closed Brayton systems to failure, which in turn lead to the inability of detectors to function properly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to solve the problems of easy failure of liquid pumps in traditional space nuclear power systems and easy failure of compressors in closed Brayton systems, which in turn cause detectors to malfunction.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] Option 1: This invention proposes a multi-redundant space nuclear power source composite thermoelectric conversion system, which includes a closed Brayton subsystem and a liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic electron generation system;

[0008] The closed Brayton subsystem includes a compressor, a regenerator, a turbine, a radiator, a thermoelectric generator, and a generator. The regenerator includes a hot fluid channel and a cold fluid channel.

[0009] The liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic power generation system includes a liquid metal nozzle, a gas-liquid two-phase mixing section, a magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel, a gas-liquid two-phase separator, a liquid metal pump, and a nuclear reactor;

[0010] The compressor outlet is connected to the cold fluid channel inlet of the regenerator; the cold fluid channel outlet of the regenerator is connected to the gas channel inlet of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section; the outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section is connected to the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation channel inlet; the MHD power generation channel outlet is connected to the gas-liquid two-phase separator inlet; the gas channel outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator is connected to the turbine inlet; the turbine outlet is connected to the hot fluid channel inlet of the regenerator; the hot fluid channel outlet of the regenerator is connected to the radiator inlet; and the radiator outlet is connected to the compressor inlet.

[0011] The liquid channel outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal pump. The outlet of the liquid metal pump is connected to the inlet of the cooling channel of the nuclear reactor. The outlet of the cooling channel of the nuclear reactor is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal nozzle. The outlet of the liquid metal nozzle is connected to the inlet of the liquid channel of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section. The outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section is connected to the inlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel. The outlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator. The liquid channel outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal pump.

[0012] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a magnet is also installed on the outside of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel.

[0013] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is provided in which the liquid metal nozzle injects liquid metal into the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section for heat exchange.

[0014] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is provided in which the mass flow rate of the liquid metal is greater than the mass flow rate of the thermodynamic gas, so as to be regarded as an isothermal process in the power generation channel.

[0015] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is provided, wherein the inlet gas of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section is a thermodynamic gas and liquid metal after primary preheating, and the outlet is a homogeneous mixture of thermodynamic gas and liquid metal.

[0016] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the system further includes the step of combining a closed Brayton subsystem and a liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) electronic system.

[0017] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the system further includes a semiconductor thermoelectric generator that provides electrical energy to the compressor and liquid metal pump in the closed Brayton subsystem.

[0018] The advantages of this invention are:

[0019] The multi-redundant space nuclear power hybrid thermoelectric conversion system described in this invention combines a semiconductor thermoelectric generator with a coupling system to solve problems such as the susceptibility of liquid pumps in traditional space nuclear power systems and the susceptibility of compressors in closed Brayton systems, which in turn lead to the inability of detectors to function properly. On one hand, when the liquid metal pump fails, the semiconductor thermoelectric generator provides power to the compressor in the closed Brayton system, ensuring that the thermodynamic gas still has sufficient velocity to drive the liquid magnetohydrodynamic fluid flow, thereby effectively cooling the thermal reactor and ensuring the safety of the detector equipment. On the other hand, when the compressor fails, the semiconductor thermoelectric generator provides power to the liquid metal pump, ensuring that the liquid metal flows at sufficient velocity to smoothly remove heat from the nuclear reactor and prevent core meltdown.

[0020] The present invention describes a multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system that couples liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic power generation with a closed Brayton power generation system. Compared with the traditional closed Brayton cycle, the coupled cycle system increases the power generation per unit mass flow rate of the thermodynamic working fluid through an isothermal endothermic expansion process, thereby reducing the specific mass of the power generation system.

[0021] The present invention discloses a multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system that utilizes semiconductor thermoelectric power generation to supply electricity to a closed Brayton intermediate compressor, ensuring that the thermodynamic gas still has a considerable speed to drive the flow of liquid magnetohydrodynamic fluid, thereby effectively cooling the nuclear reactor, solving the problem of liquid metal pump failure, and ensuring the safety of detector equipment.

[0022] The present invention discloses a multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system that utilizes semiconductor thermoelectric power generation to supply electricity to the liquid metal pump, ensuring that the liquid metal flows at a sufficient speed to smoothly remove heat from the nuclear reactor. Then, through heat exchange with the thermodynamic gas, the thermodynamic gas expands and flows, thereby solving the compressor failure problem and ensuring the operation of the closed Brayton system.

[0023] The present invention discloses a multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system, which effectively utilizes the advantages of space nuclear power, such as high output power, strong system stability, and long service life.

[0024] This invention is also applicable to space missions such as deep space exploration. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system as described in Embodiment 1.

[0026] Among them, compressor 1, regenerator 2, turbine 3, radiator 4, semiconductor thermoelectric generator 5, liquid metal nozzle 6, gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7, magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8, gas-liquid two-phase separator 9, liquid metal pump 10, nuclear reactor 11, and generator 12. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them.

[0028] Implementation Method 1: This implementation method proposes a multi-redundant space nuclear power source composite thermoelectric conversion system, which includes a closed Brayton subsystem and a liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic electron generation system.

[0029] The closed Brayton subsystem includes a compressor 1, a regenerator 2, a turbine 3, a radiator 4, a semiconductor thermoelectric generator 5, and a generator 12. The regenerator 2 includes a hot fluid channel and a cold fluid channel.

[0030] The liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic power generation system includes a liquid metal nozzle 6, a gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7, a magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8, a gas-liquid two-phase separator 9, a liquid metal pump 10, and a nuclear reactor 11.

[0031] The outlet of the compressor 1 is connected to the inlet of the cold fluid channel of the regenerator 2; the outlet of the cold fluid channel of the regenerator 2 is connected to the inlet of the gas channel of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7; the outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7 is connected to the inlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8; the outlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8 is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator 9; the gas channel outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator 9 is connected to the inlet of the turbine 3; the outlet of the turbine 3 is connected to the inlet of the hot fluid channel of the regenerator 2; the outlet of the hot fluid channel of the regenerator 2 is connected to the inlet of the radiator 4; and the outlet of the radiator 4 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1.

[0032] The liquid channel outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator 9 is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal pump 10. The outlet of the liquid metal pump 10 is connected to the inlet of the cooling channel of the nuclear reactor 11. The outlet of the cooling channel of the nuclear reactor 11 is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal nozzle 6. The outlet of the liquid metal nozzle 6 is connected to the liquid channel inlet of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7. The outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7 is connected to the inlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8. The outlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8 is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator 9. The liquid channel outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator 9 is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal pump 10.

[0033] Implementation Method 2: This implementation method further defines the multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system described in Implementation Method 1. A magnet is also installed on the outside of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8.

[0034] Implementation Method 3: This implementation method further defines the multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system described in Implementation Method 1. The liquid metal nozzle 6 injects liquid metal into the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7 for heat exchange.

[0035] Implementation Method 4: This implementation method further defines the multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system described in Implementation Method 1. The mass flow rate of the liquid metal is greater than the mass flow rate of the thermodynamic gas, and is used to treat it as an isothermal process in the power generation channel 8.

[0036] Implementation Method 5: This implementation method further defines the multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system described in Implementation Method 1. The inlet gas of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7 is a thermodynamic gas and liquid metal after primary preheating, and the outlet gas is a homogeneous mixture of thermodynamic gas and liquid metal.

[0037] Implementation Method Six: This implementation method further defines the multi-redundant space nuclear power source composite thermoelectric conversion system described in Implementation Method One. The system further includes the step of combining a closed Brayton subsystem and a liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic electron generation system.

[0038] Implementation Method Seven: This implementation method further defines the multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system described in Implementation Method One. The system also includes a semiconductor thermoelectric generator 5, which provides electrical energy to the compressor 1 and liquid metal pump 10 in the closed Brayton subsystem.

[0039] Implementation Method Eight: This implementation method proposes an example, which is used to explain the above-described implementation methods one through seven. The specific example is as follows:

[0040] See Figure 1 This implementation method is described with reference to Figure 1 As shown, a multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system includes a closed Brayton system and a liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic power generation system.

[0041] The closed Brayton system includes a compressor 1, a regenerator 2, a turbine 3, a radiator 4, a semiconductor thermoelectric generator 5, and a generator 12. The regenerator 2 includes a hot fluid channel and a cold fluid channel.

[0042] The liquid magnetohydrodynamic power generation system includes a liquid metal nozzle 6, a gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7, a magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8, a gas-liquid two-phase separator 9, a liquid metal pump 10, and a nuclear reactor 11.

[0043] The outlet of compressor 1 is connected to the inlet of the cold fluid channel of regenerator 2. The outlet of the cold fluid channel of regenerator 2 is connected to the inlet of the gas channel of gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7. The outlet of gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7 is connected to the inlet of magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8. The outlet of magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8 is connected to the inlet of gas-liquid two-phase separator 9. The outlet of the gas channel of gas-liquid two-phase separator 9 is connected to the inlet of turbine 3. The outlet of turbine 3 is connected to the inlet of the hot fluid channel of regenerator 2. The outlet of the hot fluid channel of regenerator 2 is connected to the inlet of radiator 4. The outlet of radiator 4 is connected to the inlet of compressor 1.

[0044] The liquid channel outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator 9 is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal pump 10. The outlet of the liquid metal pump 10 is connected to the inlet of the cooling channel of the nuclear reactor 11. The outlet of the cooling channel of the nuclear reactor 11 is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal nozzle 6. The outlet of the liquid metal nozzle 6 is connected to the inlet of the liquid channel of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7. The outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7 is connected to the inlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8. The outlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8 is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator 9. The liquid channel outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator 9 is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal pump 10.

[0045] The present invention discloses a multi-redundant space nuclear power source combined thermoelectric conversion system, the working process of which is as follows:

[0046] After being compressed by compressor 1, the thermodynamic gas enters the cold fluid channel of regenerator 2 to absorb heat. Then it enters the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7 to mix with liquid metal and absorb heat, forming a uniform two-phase mixture. The mixture enters the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel 8 and generates electricity under the action of an external magnetic field. After that, it enters the gas-liquid two-phase separator 9 for gas-liquid separation.

[0047] The separated thermodynamic gas enters the turbine 3 to expand and do work. The turbine 3 drives the generator 12 to work and generate electricity. The thermodynamic gas after doing work enters the hot fluid channel of the regenerator 2 to release heat, then enters the radiator 4 to release heat again, and finally returns to the compressor 1 to form a closed system.

[0048] The separated liquid metal is drawn into the cooling channel of the nuclear reactor by the liquid metal pump 10 to cool the nuclear reactor, and then injected into the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section 7 through the liquid metal nozzle 6 to form a closed system.

[0049] In response to a scenario where the liquid metal pump 10 malfunctions, the semiconductor thermoelectric generator 5 provides power to the closed Brayton intermediate compressor 1, ensuring that the thermodynamic gas still has a considerable speed to drive the liquid magnetohydrodynamic flow, thereby effectively cooling the nuclear reactor 11 and ensuring the safety of the detector equipment.

[0050] In the event of a compressor 1 failure, the semiconductor thermoelectric generator 5 provides power to the liquid metal pump 10, ensuring that the liquid metal flows at a sufficient speed to smoothly remove the heat from the nuclear reactor 11. Then, through heat exchange with the thermodynamic gas, the thermodynamic gas expands and flows, ensuring the operation of the closed Brayton system.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of this disclosure can be combined or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly described in this disclosure. This is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0052] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including both the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Thus, if these modifications and modifications of the invention fall within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention is also intended to include these modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A multi-redundant space nuclear power source combined thermoelectric conversion system, characterized in that, The system includes a closed Brayton subsystem and a liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic electron generation system; The closed Brayton subsystem includes a compressor (1), a regenerator (2), a turbine (3), a radiator (4), a semiconductor thermoelectric generator (5), and a generator (12). The regenerator (2) includes a hot fluid channel and a cold fluid channel. The liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic power generation system includes a liquid metal nozzle (6), a gas-liquid two-phase mixing section (7), a magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel (8), a gas-liquid two-phase separator (9), a liquid metal pump (10), and a nuclear reactor (11); The outlet of the compressor (1) is connected to the inlet of the cold fluid channel of the regenerator (2), the outlet of the cold fluid channel of the regenerator (2) is connected to the inlet of the gas channel of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section (7), the outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section (7) is connected to the inlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel (8), the outlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel (8) is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator (9), the outlet of the gas channel of the gas-liquid two-phase separator (9) is connected to the inlet of the turbine (3), the outlet of the turbine (3) is connected to the inlet of the hot fluid channel of the regenerator (2), the outlet of the hot fluid channel of the regenerator (2) is connected to the inlet of the radiator (4); the outlet of the radiator (4) is connected to the inlet of the compressor (1). The liquid channel outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator (9) is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal pump (10), the outlet of the liquid metal pump (10) is connected to the inlet of the cooling channel of the nuclear reactor (11), the outlet of the cooling channel of the nuclear reactor (11) is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal nozzle (6), the outlet of the liquid metal nozzle (6) is connected to the liquid channel inlet of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section (7), the outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section (7) is connected to the inlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel (8), the outlet of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel (8) is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator (9), and the liquid channel outlet of the gas-liquid two-phase separator (9) is connected to the inlet of the liquid metal pump (10). The system also includes a semiconductor thermoelectric generator (5) that provides electrical energy to the compressor (1) and liquid metal pump (10) in the closed Brayton subsystem; When the liquid metal pump (10) fails, the semiconductor thermoelectric generator (5) provides electricity to supply the closed Brayton intermediate compressor (1). When the compressor (1) fails, the semiconductor thermoelectric generator (5) provides power to supply the liquid metal pump (10).

2. The multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Magnets are also installed on the outside of the magnetohydrodynamic power generation channel (8).

3. The multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid metal nozzle (6) injects liquid metal into the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section (7) for heat exchange.

4. The multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mass flow rate of the liquid metal is greater than that of the thermodynamic gas, and is therefore considered as an isothermal process in the power generation channel (8).

5. The multi-redundant space nuclear power composite thermoelectric conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas inlet of the gas-liquid two-phase mixing section (7) is a thermodynamic gas and liquid metal after primary preheating, and the outlet is a uniform two-phase mixture of thermodynamic gas and liquid metal.

Images