A Review of Control System Design for Space Nuclear Power Systems

With the continuous advancement of space exploration, space nuclear power systems have garnered increasing attention from researchers as an efficient and long-lasting energy source. This paper aims to review the literature on control system design schemes for space nuclear power systems, examining recent research progress in areas such as safety assurance, reliability enhancement, performance optimization, and radiation protection. The literature review begins by outlining the fundamental concepts of space nuclear power systems and introducing the key components of their control systems. It then emphasizes the importance of nuclear power technology in space missions, particularly highlighting its unique advantages in energy density and propulsion performance. Subsequently, the paper summarizes control systems of reactors such as TOPAZ-II, SNAP-10A, and SP-100, providing an overview of the current state of research on control system design for space nuclear power systems. Furthermore, the review delves into various aspects of control system design, including functionality, performance, hardware equipment, and health management. For each aspect, it discusses the critical role these elements play in ensuring the safe, stable, and efficient operation of space nuclear power systems. In summary, this literature review offers a comprehensive overview of control system design schemes for space nuclear power systems, providing valuable references for future research and engineering design.