A hybrid free piston Stirling engine alternator with helium as a working fluid, called NALSEM 500, has been experimentally studied since April 1994, as part of a space solar dynamic power technology program of NAL (National Aerospace Laboratory). The NALSEM 500 engine design has features of a clearance seal of power piston, an annular linear alternator, and a solar Na heat pipe heater head. The purpose of the present study is to assess our design methodology for achieving a thermodynamic performance goal of 30 % or more efficiency and 500 W indicated power. The preliminary tests of the NALSEM 500 engine showed half of design performance. In order to improve the engine performance, some design modifications has been conducted for improving alternator performance, as well as reducing displacer-motor driving power. The re-design of yoke-cam drive mechanism achieved a 50 percent decrease of the motor power required for driving a displacer piston. And the result of alternator modifications, NALSEM 500 engine achieved 500 W indicated power and 300 W electrical power. Addressed in this paper are engine performance evaluations, and some design considerations to further improvement in engine performance.


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    Title :

    Performance evaluations of space-based stirling engine NASLEM 500


    Author / Creator :

    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print



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