Binary Plants
Binary plants are a type of space power system that uses two separate power cycles to generate electricity. The first cycle uses a nuclear reactor to heat a fluid, which then drives a turbine to produce electricity. The second cycle uses a heat exchanger to transfer the waste heat from the first cycle to a second fluid, which then drives a second turbine to produce additional electricity. Binary plants are particularly useful for space missions because they are highly efficient and can operate for long periods of time without refueling. They are also relatively compact and lightweight, making them ideal for use in spacecraft and other space-based applications.
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