The paper will present a theoretical design for the use of nuclear power as a source of power for propulsion and power supply for high altitude platforms or HAP's. A short history of past proposals for nuclear power for airborne craft will be examined and a more practical application of 'derivative' nuclear power will be examined in light of the long endurance times needed for these high altitude 'airborne satellites' platforms.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Energy Carriers
3. Nuclear Waste
4. Summary
Objectives & Research Topics
This paper presents a theoretical design for the use of nuclear power as an energy source for propulsion and power supply in high-altitude platforms. It examines the historical context of nuclear-powered flight and investigates the feasibility of utilizing "derivative" nuclear power to support the long-endurance requirements of high-altitude "airborne satellites."
- Theoretical application of nuclear energy for High Altitude Platforms (HAPs).
- Evaluation of "energy carriers" like electricity and hydrogen power.
- Historical overview of past nuclear power proposals for aircraft.
- Analysis of nuclear waste challenges and containment technologies.
Excerpt from the Book
ENERGY CARRIERS
A more practical application of nuclear energy is the ‘derivative’ use of nuclear power by way of ‘energy carriers’, pathways from nuclear power to high altitude platforms through electricity and hydrogen power. Electricity to power batteries and hydrogen fuel cells that will replace traditional hydrocarbon energy supplies (Hori, 2008: 412). Hori (2008) has listed four ways nuclear power can be used to produce hydrogen (Hori, 2008: 412):
1.) Electrolysis of water.
2.) High temperature electrolysis of steam.
3.) Therma-chemical splitting of water.
4.) Nuclear-heated steam reforming of natural gas.
The Office of Naval Research, ONR, has tested a hydrogen powered UAV, un-manned aerial vehicle, that uses a hydrogen fuel cell technology to allow for a 24 hour endurance flight with a 5 pound payload (Naval Research Laboratory, 2009: 1).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the paper regarding nuclear power for high-altitude platforms and provides a brief historical context of past nuclear aviation programs.
2. Energy Carriers: Explores the practical integration of nuclear energy via electricity and hydrogen power as alternatives to traditional hydrocarbon fuels.
3. Nuclear Waste: Discusses the longevity of fission waste and emerging "fast reactor" technologies that may mitigate waste volumes and half-life issues.
4. Summary: Concludes that using existing nuclear reactors to generate electricity and hydrogen is a viable model for powering future high-altitude platforms.
Keywords
High Altitude Platforms, High Altitude Long Endurance, HAP, HALE, Nuclear Power, Alternative Power Sources, Airborne Satellites, Energy Carriers, Hydrogen Power, Fission Reactors, Actinides, Fast Reactor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental purpose of this paper?
The paper proposes a theoretical design for utilizing nuclear power to provide propulsion and electricity for high-altitude platforms (HAPs), also known as airborne satellites.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The paper focuses on the transition from direct nuclear propulsion to "derivative" energy applications, specifically using electricity and hydrogen to support long-endurance flight.
What is the central research question?
The research explores how existing nuclear technology can be practically applied as an energy source for high-altitude platforms, considering both performance needs and environmental constraints.
Which scientific approach does the author use?
The author uses a descriptive and analytical approach, synthesizing existing literature, historical data on aircraft programs, and current studies on nuclear energy carriers and waste management.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The text covers the historical background of nuclear-powered aircraft, methods for producing hydrogen via nuclear energy, the challenges of nuclear waste, and the potential of energy carrier models.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include High Altitude Platforms (HAPs), Airborne Satellites, Nuclear Power, Hydrogen Power, Energy Carriers, and Fission Reactor waste management.
How does "derivative" nuclear power differ from direct propulsion?
Derivative use involves using nuclear power plants on the ground or as a base to create electricity or hydrogen, which then act as energy carriers to power the aircraft, rather than placing a nuclear reactor directly on the vehicle.
What role do "fast reactors" play in the author's analysis?
The author identifies "fast reactors" as a potential solution to reduce the volume and radioactivity half-life of nuclear waste, addressing one of the primary criticisms of nuclear energy.
What does the author suggest about the future of nuclear power for HAPs?
The author concludes that while nuclear energy is not a perfect solution, it is a plausible possibility for the near future if implemented through the "energy carrier" model.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Professor Bradley Tice (Autor:in), 2009, Nuclear Power for Propulsion and Power Supply for High Altitude Platforms, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/198660
