MULTI-FOIL thermal insulation for the Dynamic Isotope Power System

A study is presented of the Dynamic Isotope Power System (DIPS), which utilizes MULTI-FOIL insulation around its heat sources in order to minimize thermal losses, reduce weight, and provide emergency cooling in the event of a power conversion subsystem malfunction. DIPS uses a closed Brayton power conversion cycle to convert the isotope decay heat to electrical power. Temperatures within the heat source assembly are maintained at 760-815 degrees C (1400-1500 degrees F) throughout the system lifetime by the MULTI-FOIL insulation. Melting of the MULTI-FOIL insulation provides a passive means of reducing the thermal insulation effectiveness and limiting the heat source temperature rise following a power conversion subsystem malfunction. This work reviews the DIPS MULTI-FOIL insulation design and the testing being conducted to demonstrate feasibility of the design approach are reviewed.<
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