Archive for the ‘energy’ tag
Space propulsion publication
Article published in the Astrophysics and Space Sciences Transactions journal:
We describe a solution for generating spacecraft on-board electricity in the 5kW – 500 kW power range. The introduced thermo-photovoltaic electricity generation works without magnets or external cooling; it combines operational simplicity with a good power per mass ratio.
Once in orbit, the system shall be capable of powering numerous missions within the inner solar system or a single long range mission.
Space exploration today is limited by the length of time and amount of fuel required for reaching desired destinations. An ideal propulsion design simultaneously features high Isp, high thrust power, and limited engine weight. Recent advances in nano-scale fabrication open up new possibilities for thermo-photovoltaic electricity generator design, and allow a the use of high-trust electric propulsion technologies. High-powered on-board electricity generation is key to reducing travel times to nearby planets and to the the expansion of space exploration horizons. The following sections describe each component of the proposed on-board electricity generator. …
Download: AndrasKovacs and Dr Pekka Janhunen: Thermo-photovoltaic spacecraft electricity
The Energy Book
The purpose of this document (electronic book and site) is to raise awareness of the need to act now to secure our future energy supply.
With appropriate awareness of Thorium-fueled nuclear fission technology as a most viable current energy option, and Polywell fusion concept is as a promising future energy option, there is a chance of avoiding a global downturn that would be caused by fast approaching energy scarcity scenario.
The history of world energy consumption is an eye-popping graph: over 60% growth in 25 years. Continuing the path of economic growth is a MUST under current debt-based monetary system.
Stabilizing economies is not an option – and downsizing is even much less so – as without economic growth debts plus interest cannot be paid back, and all money simply disappears from economy.
