Exciter-Regulator for the SNAP-8 Space Power System

Abstract

A new static-exciter has been designed for the SNAP-8 electrical generating system, a nuclear powered 80 kva 3 phase, 400 cps space power supply built for NASA Lewis by Aerojet-General Corporation. The exciter-regulator incorporates many new features to meet the requirements for unattended long life in a space and radioactive environment. The design criteria placed reliability far above weight, volume and losses. The result is an exciter regulator which promises to be more reliable than a similar conventional aircraft system by several orders of magnitude.