Applying Flywheel Energy Storage to Solar Electric Orbital Transfers

Author

Mark W. Marasch

Date of Award

12-1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

William E. Wiesel, PhD

Abstract

This study investigated the application of flywheel energy storage to minimum time, constant thrust orbital maneuvers using electric propulsion. The advantages of using stored energy to continue electric thruster operations while in eclipse were explored. The boundary value problems for several schemes of energy use were examined, and numerical solutions were found. Results of simulations utilizing energy storage were compared to results without energy storage. Schemes incorporating energy storage were found to have advantages in terms of propellant mass used, time spent in transit, and deliverable payload.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GA-ENY-97D-02

DTIC Accession Number

ADA334996

Recommended Citation

Marasch, Mark W., "Applying Flywheel Energy Storage to Solar Electric Orbital Transfers" (1997). Theses and Dissertations. 5708.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/5708