PhD Dissertation Proposal by Jeremy Harris on December 17th
Space Studies Aerospace Sciences PhD candidate, Jeremy Harris, will present his dissertation proposal as follows. Please show your support by attending.
When: Tuesday, December 17th at 9:30 a.m. (Central time zone)
Where: Clifford Hall, Room 521 Space Studies Conference Room
Title: “Ammonia/Water Thermodynamic Cycle for Lunar Power Applications”
About the topic: For any type of long-term presence on the lunar surface, humanity needs a reliable, safe, large, and efficient power source. Nuclear dynamic power is currently viewed as the best option for large lunar base power demands; however, nuclear power has drawbacks including nuclear waste disposal, non-renewable energy source, and nuclear refueling on the lunar surface. Other power systems exist for meeting a permanent lunar base’s power demands which do not have those drawbacks. A novel bottoming cycle has been identified which utilizes sunlight, ammonia, and water. The process has not been analyzed previously as a potential lunar power source. There are several advantages on Earth for the use of this type of power generation cycle such as high efficiencies at lower operating temperatures, high efficiencies at varying operating temperatures, and compact packaging as compared to large photovoltaic systems. When compared the nuclear power, this system has drawbacks that include higher complexity and mass.
The research question is, “Can an ammonia-water thermodynamic power cycle provide benefits over other proposed power generation schemes on the lunar surface?”
In order to analyze this question, several areas need to be reviewed. First, the requirements need to be determined to properly design a power system. Second, an optimal power system needs to be designed. Third, the power system needs to be analyzed thermodynamically and compared against previously examined systems. Finally, the economics of the system needs to be compared against previously examined systems.
About the presenter: Jeremy received a BS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Alabama Huntsville in 2006 and a MS in Space Studies from UND in 2017. Jeremy has worked for over 15 years as an engineer in a variety of roles. He has developed vehicle thermal analysis and designs, designed high pressure steam boiler systems, conducted analysis concerning experimental missile defense weapons, and tested cutting edge technology in high performance jet engines. Jeremy currently works as an operations engineer at the Missile Defense Agency in the Ground base Midcourse Defense program. He has a strong passion and interest in space industrial technology and looks to push forward cutting-edge research in that field.
Faculty advisor: Dr. Jim Casler
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