PULSAR
Financiado
PU-238-coupLed dynamic power system for SpAce exploRation and beyond
For space missions both Photovoltaic (PV) cells and Radioisotope Thermoelectrical Generators (RTG), fueled by Plutonium 238 (Pu-238) are used to produce electricity to power missions. From a European point of view, this has severa...
For space missions both Photovoltaic (PV) cells and Radioisotope Thermoelectrical Generators (RTG), fueled by Plutonium 238 (Pu-238) are used to produce electricity to power missions. From a European point of view, this has several drawbacks, as neither Pu-238 or any RTGs are produced in Europe and RTGs are very power inefficient, with a yield often of 5% of the fuel potential. This means that large amounts of fuel, and large RTGs, are needed to power missions, which increases the payloads.PULSAR is the first step on a European path to resolve these issues and take a world leading role in powering space exploration.The PULSAR project has two overarching global ambitions. These are;•Develop, in Europe, the building blocks to establish the complete end-to-end capability to produce Pu-238 to help power existing Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTG) and Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) from the constituent elements to module production – addressing critical & non-dependencies technology needs;•Disruptively increase the thermo-electrical conversion efficiency of dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) with an advanced Stirling engine improving the performance of the ”state-of-practice” thermoelectric materials.This will be achieved by -Performing first designs and studies for selecting targets for Pu-238 generation, examine fabrication constraints and separation options-Designing a new welding methodology for iridium encapsulation by laser welding and produce a prototype capsule.-Designing and evaluating a robust Stirling convertor for use as an RPS-Addressing the regulatory and safety framework for Pu-238 use in space travel-Performing an analysis of the market potential and its segmentation for PULSAR resultsPULSAR brings together a uniquely placed consortium led by TRACTEBEL, with the support of JRC, ESA and Ariane group.
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Duración del proyecto: 25 meses
Fecha Inicio: 2022-09-01
Fecha Fin: 2024-10-31
Fecha Fin: 2024-10-31
Línea de financiación: concedida
El organismo HORIZON EUROPE notifico la concesión del proyecto el día 2024-10-31
Línea de financiación objetivo
El proyecto se financió a través de la siguiente ayuda:
HORIZON-EURATOM-2021-NRT-01-13:
Towards a European nuclear competence area
Cerrada
hace 3 años
Presupuesto
El presupuesto total del proyecto asciende a
2M€
Líder del proyecto
TRACTEBEL ENGINEERING S.A.
No se ha especificado una descripción o un objeto social para esta compañía.
Perfil tecnológico
TRL
4-5
Perfil tecnológico
TRL
4-5