A review of exploratory studies at RSC Energia into high-temperature voltage conversion systems for an electrically-propelled transportation spacecraft

The paper presents studies conducted at RSC Energia that looked into the feasibility of developing a high-temperature high-power voltage converter of a low-voltage space power supply system for an electrically-propelled space transportation spacecraft based on classical voltage conversion systems using electroplasma gates (key elements) and high-temperature transformers. It provides electrical schematics for voltage conversion systems. It presents results of experimental studies on lab prototypes of electroplasma gates with electrical power of tens and hundreds kilowatts, which have demonstrated that in principle it is possible to use them as a basis for development of high-temperature radiation-proof voltage converters with mass fraction of ~0.01 kg/A for such power sources as nuclear power-supply systems with sub-megawatt and megawatt thermionic converter reactor. It provides a rationale for selecting the voltage conversion frequency in systems without forced cooling. It provides an experimental proof that in principle it is possible to implement high-temperature transformers with 600 °С operating temperature level, and gives recommendations on selection of materials.