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Comparison of Stirling engines for use with a 25-kW disk-electric conversion systemHeat engines were evaluated for terrestrial solar heat receivers. The Stirling Engine was identified as one of the most promising engines for terrestrial applications. The potential to meet the Department of Energy (DOE) goals for performance and cost can be met by the free-piston Stirling engine. NASA Lewis is providing technical management for an Advanced Stirling Conversion System (ASCS) through a cooperative interagency agreement with DOE. Parallel contracts were awarded for conceptual designs of an ASCS. Each design will feature a free-piston Stirling engine, a liquid-metal heat pipe receiver, and a means to provide about 25 kW of electric power to a utility grid while meeting long-term performance and goals. The Mechanical Technology, Ins. (MTI) design incorporates a linear alternator to directly convert the solar energy to electricity while the Stirling Technology Company (STC) generates electrical power indirectly by using a hydraulic output to a ground-bases hydraulic pump/motor coupled to a rotating alternator. Both designs use technology which can reasonably be expected to be available in the 1980's. The ASCS designs using a free-piston Stirling engine, a heat transport system, a receiver, and the methods of providing electricity to the utility grid will be discussed.
Document ID
19870018131
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Shaltens, Richard K.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1987
Subject Category
Urban Technology And Transportation
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 87-9069
DOE/NASA-33408-2
NASA-TM-100111
E-3655
NAS 1.15:100111
Accession Number
87N27564
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 776-81-63
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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