The NASA Glenn Research Center has been developing advanced energy-conversion technologies for use with both radioisotope power systems and fission surface power systems for many decades. Under NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Planetary Science Theme, Technology Program, Glenn is developing the next generation of advanced Stirling convertors (ASCs) for use in the Department of Energy/Lockheed Martin Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG). The next-generation power-conversion technologies require high efficiency and high specific power (watts electric per kilogram) to meet future mission requirements to use less of the Department of Energy's plutonium-fueled general-purpose heat source modules and reduce system mass. Important goals include long-life (greater than 14-yr) reliability and scalability so that these systems can be considered for a variety of future applications and missions including outer-planet missions and continual operation on the surface of Mars. This paper provides an update of the history and status of the ASC being developed for Glenn by Sunpower Inc. of Athens, Ohio.
Advanced Stirling Technology Development at NASA Glenn Research Center
2007
13 pages
Report
No indication
English
Space Technology , Fuel Conversion Processes , Extraterrestrial Exploration , Reactor Fuels & Fuel Processing , Stirling cycle , Technology utilization , Energy conversion , Fabrication , Mechanical engineering , Grand tours , Fission , Reliability analysis , Creep tests , Mars surface , Plutonium , Radioisotope heat sources , Radioisotope batteries
Advanced Stirling Convertor Testing at NASA Glenn Research Center
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2007
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