› › Assessment Of The Free Piston Stirling Convertor As A Long Life Power Converter For Space Nasa Tm 2001 210604 Jun 20 2001

Developmental Considerations on the Free-Piston Stirling Power Convertor for Use in Space

Author : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Page : 38 pages

File Size : 23,40 MB

Release : 2018-05-20

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ISBN : 9781719370363

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Free-piston Stirling power conversion has been considered a candidate for radioisotope power systems for space for more than a decade. Prior to the free-piston Stirling architecture, systems were designed with kinematic Stirling engines with rotary alternators to convert heat to electricity. These systems were proposed with lightly loaded linkages to achieve the necessary life. When the free-piston configuration was initially proposed, it was thought to be attractive due to the relatively high conversion efficiency, acceptable mass, and the potential for long life and high reliability. These features have consistently been recognized by teams that have studied technology options for radioisotope power systems. Since free-piston Stirling power conversion was first considered for space power applications, there have been major advances in three general areas of development: demonstration of life and reliability, the success achieved by Stirling cryocoolers in flight, and the overall developmental maturity of the technology for both flight and terrestrial applications. Based on these advances, free-piston Stirling convertors are currently being developed for a number of terrestrial applications. They commonly operate with the power, efficiency, life, and reliability as intended, and much of the development now centers on system integration. This paper will summarize the accomplishments of free-piston Stirling power conversion technology over the past decade, review the status, and discuss the challenges that remain. Schreiber, Jeffrey G. Glenn Research Center FREE-PISTON ENGINES; NUCLEAR ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION; COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS; POWER CONVERTERS; TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION; RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; PISTON ENGINES; SYSTEMS INTEGRATION; RELIABILITY ANALYSIS; SOLAR CELLS; AC GENERATORS; LINKAGES; PANELS; CRYOGENIC COOLING; FAULT TOLERANCE; ORGANIC MATERIALS; LINEAR ALTERNATORS; MAGNETS; SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES



Development of a Dynamic, End-To-End Free Piston Stirling Convertor Model

Author : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Page : 26 pages

File Size : 38,80 MB

Release : 2018-06-21

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ISBN : 9781721639724

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A dynamic model for a free-piston Stirling convertor is being developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The model is an end-to-end system model that includes the cycle thermodynamics, the dynamics, and electrical aspects of the system. The subsystems of interest are the heat source, the springs, the moving masses, the linear alternator, the controller, and the end-user load. The envisioned use of the model will be in evaluating how changes in a subsystem could affect the operation of the convertor. The model under development will speed the evaluation of improvements to a subsystem and aid in determining areas in which most significant improvements may be found. One of the first uses of the end-toend model will be in the development of controller architectures. Another related area is in evaluating changes to details in the linear alternator. Regan, Timothy F. and Gerber, Scott S. and Roth, Mary Ellen Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-2004-212941, E-14381



Free-Piston Stirling Engine Conceptual Design and Technologies for Space Power, Phase 1

Author : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Page : 142 pages

File Size : 39,20 MB

Release : 2018-07-17

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ISBN : 9781723086304

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As part of the SP-100 program, a phase 1 effort to design a free-piston Stirling engine (FPSE) for a space dynamic power conversion system was completed. SP-100 is a combined DOD/DOE/NASA program to develop nuclear power for space. This work was completed in the initial phases of the SP-100 program prior to the power conversion concept selection for the Ground Engineering System (GES). Stirling engine technology development as a growth option for SP-100 is continuing after this phase 1 effort. Following a review of various engine concepts, a single-cylinder engine with a linear alternator was selected for the remainder of the study. The relationships of specific mass and efficiency versus temperature ratio were determined for a power output of 25 kWe. This parametric study was done for a temperature ratio range of 1.5 to 2.0 and for hot-end temperatures of 875 K and 1075 K. A conceptual design of a 1080 K FPSE with a linear alternator producing 25 kWe output was completed. This was a single-cylinder engine designed for a 62,000 hour life and a temperature ratio of 2.0. The heat transport systems were pumped liquid-metal loops on both the hot and cold ends. These specifications were selected to match the SP-100 power system designs that were being evaluated at that time. The hot end of the engine used both refractory and superalloy materials; the hot-end pressure vessel featured an insulated design that allowed use of the superalloy material. The design was supported by the hardware demonstration of two of the component concepts - the hydrodynamic gas bearing for the displacer and the dynamic balance system. The hydrodynamic gas bearing was demonstrated on a test rig. The dynamic balance system was tested on the 1 kW RE-1000 engine at NASA Lewis. Penswick, L. Barry and Beale, William T. and Wood, J. Gary Unspecified Center ENGINE DESIGN; HEAT TRANSFER; PISTON ENGINES; SPACE POWER REACTORS; STIRLING ENGINES; GAS BEARINGS; HEAT RESISTANT ALLOYS; PRESSURE VESSELS; REFRA...



Extended Operation of Stirling Convertors in a Thermal Vacuum Environment

Author : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Page : 28 pages

File Size : 16,77 MB

Release : 2018-06-24

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ISBN : 9781721822461

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A 110 watt Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG110) is being developed for potential use on future NASA exploration missions. The development effort is being performed by Lockheed Martin under contract to the Department of Energy (DOE). Infinia, Corp. supplies the free-piston Stirling power convertors, and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) provides support to the effort in a range of technologies. This generator features higher efficiency and specific power compared to alternatives. One potential application for the generator would entail significant cruise time in the vacuum of deep space. A test has been initiated at GRC to demonstrate functionality of the Stirling convertors in a thermal vacuum environment. The test article resembles the configuration of the SRG110, however the requirement for low mass was not considered. This test demonstrates the operation of the Stirling convertors in the thermal vacuum environment, simulating deep space, over an extended period of operation. The status of the test as well as the data gathered will be presented in this paper. Oriti, Salvatore M. Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-2006-213984, AIAA Paper 2005-5747, E-15306



Stirling Technology Development at NASA Grc. Revised

Author : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Page : 30 pages

File Size : 49,40 MB

Release : 2018-06-19

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ISBN : 9781721294480

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The Department of Energy, Stirling Technology Company (STC), and NASA Glenn Research Center (NASA Glenn) are developing a free-piston Stirling convertor for a high-efficiency Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) for NASA Space Science missions. The SRG is being developed for multimission use, including providing electric power for unmanned Mars rovers and deep space missions. NASA Glenn is conducting an in-house technology project to assist in developing the convertor for space qualification and mission implementation. Recent testing, of 55-We Technology Demonstration Convertors (TDC's) built by STC includes mapping, of a second pair of TDC's, single TDC testing, and TDC electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility characterization on a nonmagnetic test stand. Launch environment tests of a single TDC without its pressure vessel to better understand the convertor internal structural dynamics and of dual-opposed TDC's with several engineering mounting structures with different natural frequencies have recently been completed. A preliminary life assessment has been completed for the TDC heater head, and creep testing of the IN718 material to be used for the flight convertors is underway. Long-term magnet aging tests are continuing to characterize any potential aging in the strength or demagnetization resistance of the magnets used in the linear alternator (LA). Evaluations are now beginning on key organic materials used in the LA and piston/rod surface coatings. NASA Glenn is also conducting finite element analyses for the LA, in part to look at the demagnetization margin on the permanent magnets. The world's first known integrated test of a dynamic power system with electric propulsion was achieved at NASA Glenn when a Hall-effect thruster was successfully operated with a free-piston Stirling power source. Cleveland State University is developing a multidimensional Stirling computational fluid dynamics code to significantly improve Stirling loss pre



Impact Testing of a Stirling Converter's Linear Alternator

Author : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Page : 30 pages

File Size : 19,43 MB

Release : 2018-06-19

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ISBN : 9781721506613

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in conjunction with the NASA John H. Glenn Research Center and Stirling Technology Company, are currently developing a Stirling convertor for a Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG). NASA Headquarters and DOE have identified the SRG for potential use as an advanced spacecraft power system for future NASA deep-space and Mars surface missions. Low-level dynamic impact tests were conducted at NASA Glenn Research Center's Structural Dynamics Laboratory as part of the development of this technology. The purpose of this test was to identify dynamic structural characteristics of the Stirling Technology Demonstration Convertor (TDC). This paper addresses the test setup, procedure, and results of the impact testing conducted on the Stirling TDC in May 2001. Suarez, Vicente J. and Goodnight, Thomas W. and Hughes, William O. and Samorezov, Sergey Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-2002-211342, NAS 1.15:211342, E-13156



Update on Extended Operation of Stirling Convertors in Thermal Vacuum at NASA Glenn Research Center

Author : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Page : 30 pages

File Size : 42,70 MB

Release : 2018-06-24

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ISBN : 9781721831524

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin Space Systems (LMSS), Infinia Corporation, and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing a Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) for use as a power system on space science missions. This generator would make use of Stirling cycle energy conversion to achieve higher efficiency than currently used alternatives. A test has been initiated at GRC to demonstrate functionality of Stirling conversion in a thermal vacuum environment over an extended period of time. The test article resembles the configuration of the SRG, but was designed without the requirement of low mass. Throughout the 8700 cumulative hours of operation, modifications to the supporting hardware were required to attain the desired operating conditions. These modifications, the status of testing, and the data recorded will be discussed in this paper. Oriti, Salvatore M. Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-2006-214424, E-15701, AIAA Paper-2006-4062



Conceptual Design of an Advanced Stirling Conversion System for Terrestrial Power Generation

Author : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Page : 392 pages

File Size : 34,82 MB

Release : 2018-07-23

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ISBN : 9781723546211

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A free piston Stirling engine coupled to an electric generator or alternator with a nominal kWe power output absorbing thermal energy from a nominal 100 square meter parabolic solar collector and supplying electric power to a utility grid was identified. The results of the conceptual design study of an Advanced Stirling Conversion System (ASCS) were documented. The objectives are as follows: define the ASCS configuration; provide a manufacturability and cost evaluation; predict ASCS performance over the range of solar input required to produce power; estimate system and major component weights; define engine and electrical power condidtioning control requirements; and define key technology needs not ready by the late 1980s in meeting efficiency, life, cost, and with goalds for the ASCS. Unspecified Center NASA-CR-180890, DOE/NASA/0372-1, NAS 1.26:180890, MTI-87TR57 DEN3-372; DE-AT04-85AL-33408...



Extended Operation of Stirling Convertors

Author : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Page : 38 pages

File Size : 30,81 MB

Release : 2018-06-24

Category :

ISBN : 9781721682348

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Book Description

A high-efficiency 110 W Stirling Radioisotope Generator 110 (SRG110) is being developed for potential NASA exploration missions. The SRG system efficiency is greater than 20%, making it an attractive candidate power system for deep space missions and unmanned rovers. The Department of Energy SRG110 Project team consists of the System Integrator, Lockheed Martin (LM), Stirling Technology Company (STC), and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). One of the GRC roles is to provide Independent Verification and Validation of the Stirling TDC s. At the request of LM, a part of this effort includes the Extended Operation of the TDC s in the dynamically balanced dual-opposed configuration. Performance data of Stirling Convertors over time is required to demonstrate that an SRG110 can meet long-duration mission requirements. A test plan and test system were developed to evaluate TDC s #13 and #14 steady-state performance for a minimum of 5000 hours. Hardware, software and TDC preparation processes were developed to support this test and insure safe, round-the-clock operation of the TDC s. This paper will discuss the design and development, and status of the Extended Operation Test. Roth, Mary Ellen and Schreiber, Jeffery G. and Pepper, Stephen V. Glenn Research Center NASA/TM-2004-213388, AIAA Paper-2004-5508, NAS/1.15:2004-213388, E-14896



Materials Technology for Stirling Space Power Converters

Author : National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Page : 76 pages

File Size : 27,52 MB

Release : 2018-07-08

Category :

ISBN : 9781722631185

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Book Description

This program was conducted in support of the NASA LeRC development of the Stirling power converter (SPC) for space power applications. The objectives of this contract were: (1) to perform a technology review and analyses to support the evaluation of materials issues for the SPC; (2) to evaluate liquid metal compatibility issues of the SPC; (3) to evaluate and define a transient liquid phase diffusion bonding (TLPDB) process for the SPC joints to the Udimet 720 heater head; and (4) to evaluate alternative (to the TLPDB) joining techniques. In the technology review, several aspects of the current Stirling design were examined including the power converter assembly process, materials joining, gas bearings, and heat exchangers. The supporting analyses included GLIMPS power converter simulation in support of the materials studies, and system level analysis in support of the technology review. The liquid metal compatibility study evaluated process parameters for use in the Stirling power converter. The alternative joining techniques study looked at the applicability of various joining techniques to the Stirling power converter requirements. Baggenstoss, William and Mittendorf, Donald Unspecified Center...