AAWSAP DIRD, Positron Aerospace Propulsion, March 2010

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UNCLASSIFIED/, P'OR. OP'P'l@IAL W&lii QPilL¥
POSITRON ENERGY CONVERSION FOR ONBOARD POWER
Research was conducted on positron utilization in a standalone, closed-loop, high-power
system. 42 A Brayton cycle engine (Figure 14) was investigated with output power of 100
kW, consistent with Mars Reference Mission specifications. 43• 44 Results show efficiencies
of 25-30 percent and positron consumption of 7 µg/hour.
Such a power system would have practical meaning for fast transits to Mars where
positron consumption does not dominate rocket positron consumption.
l
Figure 14. Closed Brayton Cycle Using Positron Annihilation (courtesy Positronics Research LLC}45
In addition, a small, 110-watt, positron-driven generator (Figure 15) for small, onboard
tasks was designed around the NASA Glenn Research Center Stirling Radioisotope
Generator,46 with heat provided by Ps gamma rays.
SIJrfing Convertor 1 (55 We)
S1irting Convertor 2 (55 We)
- ----------~------------
Eleclric Power Oullel
Mag,,ollcSloev
Figure 15. Conceptual 110-Watt Positron Closed-Cycle Generator Based on the NASA Glenn Research
Center Stirling Radioisotope Generator47 (courtesy Positronics Research LLC} 48
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR 8FFIEl>L 1!55 ON! X
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