Predicting the Behavior of Solar Dynamic Closed Brayton Cycle Power Conversion Systems

Since space power conversion systems must operate both in the sun and in the earth’s shadow, they seldom encounter design operating conditions. As a consequence, consideration of off-design performance is essential in the preliminary design of these systems. To illustrate the necessity and utility of an off-design system model, this paper presents the results of a study of the solar dynamic closed Brayton cycle power conversion system for use on the NASA Space Station.