Brayton-Rankine Total Energy Space Dynamic Power System Analysis

A study is made on combined Brayton-Rankine total energy space dynamic power system. Thermodynamic analysis and comparative calculation are performed for such system and the regenerative Brayton system. Results show that under the space condition even with water as the working medium of the Rankine part the thermal efficiency could be raised at least by 5-10% at working point in comparison with regenerative Brayton system and much more than the simple Rankine system for the existed technology. The only increase of steam turbine and pump in comparing with regenerative Brayton system will bring no greater effect on system weight consideration. Through radiater area analysis the suggested total energy system shows no sharp increase in radiation area and the spray radiater is more suitable for this purpose. Further conceptional projective study is worth to proceed on with the selection of more optimum parameters and appropriate working substance together with the spray radiater-condenser design considerations.