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Optimized Heat Pipe Backup Cooling System Tested with a Stirling ConvertorAdvanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) is an attractive energy system for select space missions, and with the addition of a VCHP, it becomes even more versatile. The ASRG is powered through thermal energy from decaying radioisotopes acting as General Purpose Heat Sources (GPHS). A Stirling engine converts the thermal energy to electrical energy and cools the GPHS [2]. The Stirling convertor must operate continuously to maintain acceptable temperatures of the GPHS and protect their cladding. The addition of alkali metal VCHP allows the Stirling to cycle on and off during a mission and can be used as a backup cooling system. The benefits of being able to turn the Stirling off are: allowing for a restart of the Stirling and reducing vibrations for sensitive measurements. The VCHP addition should also increase the efficiency of the Stirling by providing a uniform temperature distribution at the heat transfer interface into the heater head.




Document ID
20160010350
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Tarau, Calin
(Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. Lancaster, PA, United States)
Schwendeman, Carl L.
(Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. Lancaster, PA, United States)
Schifer, Nicholas A.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Anderson, William G.
(Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. Lancaster, PA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2016
Publication Date
February 22, 2016
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Mechanical Engineering
Report/Patent Number
GRC-E-DAA-TN29180
Meeting Information
Meeting: Nuclear and Emerging Tecnologies for Space (NETS 2016)
Location: Huntsville, AL
Country: United States
Start Date: February 22, 2016
End Date: February 25, 2016
Sponsors: American Nuclear Society
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNX13CC84C
WBS: WBS 138494.04.18.01.01.01
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNC14VC86P
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
Stirling Radioisotope Generator
Variable Conductance Heat Pipe
Alkali Metal Variable Conductance Heat Pipe
Backup Cooling System
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