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A 1050 K Stirling space engine designAs part of the NASA CSTI High Capacity Power Program on Conversion Systems for Nuclear Applications, Sunpower, Inc. completed for NASA Lewis a reference design of a single-cylinder free-piston Stirling engine that is optimized for the lifetimes and temperatures appropriate for space applications. The NASA effort is part of the overall SP-100 program which is a combined DOD/DOE/NASA project to develop nuclear power for space. Stirling engines have been identified as a growth option for SP-100 offering increased power output and lower system mass and radiator area. Superalloy materials are used in the 1050 K hot end of the engine; the engine temperature ratio is 2.0. The engine design features simplified heat exchangers with heat input by sodium heat pipes, hydrodynamic gas bearings, a permanent magnet linear alternator, and a dynamic balance system. The design shows an efficiency (including the alternator) of 29 percent and a specific mass of 5.7 kg/kW. This design also represents a significant step toward the 1300 K refractory Stirling engine which is another growth option of SP-100.
Document ID
19940028360
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Penswick, L. Barry (SunPower, Inc. Athens, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1988
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.26:182149
NASA-CR-182149
Accession Number
94N32866
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 586-01-11
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS3-23885
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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