NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Developmental Considerations on the Free-piston Stirling Power Convertor for Use in SpaceFree-piston Stirling power conversion has been considered a candidate for radioisotope power systems for space for more than a decade. Prior to the free-piston Stirling architecture, systems were designed with kinematic Stirling engines with rotary alternators to convert heat to electricity. These systems were proposed with lightly loaded linkages to achieve the necessary life. When the free-piston configuration was initially proposed, it was thought to be attractive due to the relatively high conversion efficiency, acceptable mass, and the potential for long life and high reliability. These features have consistently been recognized by teams that have studied technology options for radioisotope power systems. Since free-piston Stirling power conversion was first considered for space power applications, there have been major advances in three general areas of development: demonstration of life and reliability, the success achieved by Stirling cryocoolers in flight, and the overall developmental maturity of the technology for both flight and terrestrial applications. Based on these advances, free-piston Stirling convertors are currently being developed for a number of terrestrial applications. They commonly operate with the power, efficiency, life, and reliability as intended, and much of the development now centers on system integration. This paper will summarize the accomplishments of free-piston Stirling power conversion technology over the past decade, review the status, and discuss the challenges that remain.
Document ID
20070022840
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Schreiber, Jeffrey G.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
May 14, 2007
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA-2006-4015
E-15938
NASA/TM-2007-214805
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 138494.04.01.01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
No Preview Available