A fundamental study on a solar power generation system for space applications using Stirling engines has been performed in the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL). The Stirling engine converter is one of the candidates for power conversion in future space use. The prototype converters, called the NALSEM (NAL Stirling Engine Model) series, are semi-free-piston Stirling engines with moving-magnet linear alternators. A basic model of the Stirling engine converter, called NALSEM500, has been experimentally studied since April 1994. A test model of a free-piston Stirling engine converter for future space applications was fabricated and preliminary performance tests were carried out. Significant results and future research tasks are summarized below: 1. Maximum indicated power and efficiency were 234 W and 28.7 %, respectively, at design conditions. 2. Maximum alternator power output and system efficiency were 170 W and 19.5 %, respectively. 3. The alternator efficiency reached 85 % as designed. 4. It was found that the cooler should be modified and that the engine-alternator system requires further optimization. In order to improve the converter's overall performance, detailed performance evaluation is underway. Target performance will be achieved in the near future.
Preliminary test results on 200 We free-piston stirling engine converter
Ergebnisse der Vorprüfung eines Freikolben-Stirlingmotorumformers mit einer elektrischen Leistungsabgabe von 200 W
2003
6 Seiten, 8 Bilder, 3 Tabellen, 6 Quellen
Conference paper
English
Free-Piston Stirling Component Test Power Converter Test Results and Potential Stirling Applications
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