This paper will describe the role of the NASA Glenn Research Center in advancing the Stirling technology for space power systems, give examples of technical areas where the resident expertise has been utilized, and highlight some of the contributions that have been made. This paper will also present an overview of the Radioisotope Power System Project, describe the status of the technology, and provide a brief overview of the applications and alternative system configurations that have been studied. The Department of Energy, the NASA Glenn Research Center, and the Stirling Technology Company are developing a free-piston Stirling converter for a Radioisotope Power System to provide electric power for NASA deep space missions. This power system has recently been identified as a candidate for potential use on a variety of long life missions, including Mars rovers. The SPG is expected to provide modest mass savings compared to the +previously used RTGs; however, the major benefit is in the multi-fold increase in efficiency. The increased efficiency will result in substantial cost savings due to the significantly reduced plutonium-238 inventory. NASA GRC is conducting an in-house project to assist in transitioning the TDC Stirling converter for readiness for flight qualification and use in a mission. GRC provided key support to a joint DOE/NASA technology assessment that has led to the current mission possibilities for the Stirling system. Test facilities for Stirling converter performance mapping, magnet aging, and structural benchmark testing of the heater head have been established or are nearing completion at GRC. Tests have recently been completed relative to launch environment characterizations. Efforts are ongoing for an independent performance verification, converter life assessment, permanent magnet aging characterization and reduction of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Status of free-piston Stirling power conversion in the United States space program
Statusbericht über die Entwicklung eines Freikolben-Stirlinggenerators im Rahmen des Raumfahrtprogramms der Vereinigten Staaten
2001
9 Seiten, 8 Bilder, 12 Quellen
Conference paper
English
Free piston space Stirling technology program
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