Nuclear power source for an automobile

Abstract

With the fast depletion of natural gases and fossil fuels, nuclear energy is seen as the next source of energy for automobile. In this report, the author has identified the different nuclear power sources and nuclear technologies and attempt to determine the technical feasibility of having an automobile powered by nuclear energy.

The author has identified four nuclear power sources in the form of nuclear reactor, small nuclear reactor, radioisotope heat units and general purpose heat source. The author determined the best nuclear power source by comparing between the sizes, mass, safety and the practicality of using each source. Next, the author identified four possible nuclear conversion technologies in the form of magneto hydrodynamic generator, thermoelectric generator, thermophotovoltaic generator and Stirling engine. The author then identified the best technology by comparing their size, mass, efficiency and specific power.

The author did calculations to determine the power requirements of the automobile based on the chosen final nuclear power source and conversion technology. With the number of required GPHS modules calculated, the author came up with a design combining the chosen nuclear power source and power conversion technology. The author also did calculations on the area of the radiator that is required to emit waste heat to the surrounding.

It was concluded that the use of a nuclear power source coupled with a power conversion technology to power an automobile is feasible.