The Department of Energy, Lockheed Martin (LM), Stirling Technology Company, and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) are developing a high-efficiency Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) for potential NASA Space Science missions. The SRG is being developed for multimission use, including providing spacecraft onboard electric power for NASA deep space missions and power for unmanned Mars rovers. NASA GRC is conducting an in- house supporting technology project to assist in developing the Stirling convertor for space qualification and mission implementation. Preparations are underway for a thermalhacuum system demonstration and unattended operation during endurance testing of the 55-We Technology Demonstration Convertors. Heater head life assessment efforts continue, including verification of the heater head brazing and heat treatment schedules and evaluation of any potential regenerator oxidation. Long-term magnet aging tests are continuing to characterize any possible aging in the strength or demagnetization resistance of the permanent magnets used in the linear alternator. Testing of the magnet/lamination epoxy bond for performance and lifetime characteristics is now underway. These efforts are expected to provide key inputs as the system integrator, LM, begins system development of the SRG. GRC is also developing advanced technology for Stirling convertors. Cleveland State University (CSU) is progressing toward a multi-dimensional Stirling computational fluid dynamics code, capable of modeling complete convertors. Validation efforts at both CSU and the University of Minnesota are complementing the code development. New efforts have been started this year on a lightweight convertor, advanced controllers, high-temperature materials, and an end-to-end system dynamics model. Performance and mass improvement goals have been established for second- and third-generation Stirling radioisotope power systems.
NASA GRC Stirling Technology Development Overview
2003
13 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
Space Technology , Computational fluid dynamics , Nasa space programs , Technology utilization , General overviews , Stirling engines , Stirling cycle , Systems engineering , Performance tests , End-to-end data systems , Demagnetization , Controllers , Heaters , Refractory materials , Spacecraft power supplies , Thermal vacuum tests
NASA GRC Stirling Technology Development Overview
NTRS | 2003
|NASA GRC Stirling Technology Development Overview
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003
|Overview of NASA GRC Stirling Technology Development
AIAA | 2003
|NASA GRC Stirling Power Overview
NTIS | 2014
|Stirling Technology Development at NASA GRC
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2002
|