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Summary of stirling convertor testing at nasa glenn research center in support of stirling radioisotope power system development
| Content Provider | NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) |
|---|---|
| Author | Oriti, Salvatore M. Schifer, Nicholas A. |
| Copyright Year | 2013 |
| Description | The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been testing 100 We class, free-piston Stirling convertors for potential use in Stirling Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) for space science and exploration missions. Free-piston Stirling convertors are capable of achieving a 38% conversion efficiency, making Stirling attractive for meeting future power system needs in light of the shrinking U.S. plutonium fuel supply. Convertors currently on test include four Stirling Technology Demonstration Convertors (TDCs), manufactured by the Stirling Technology Company (STC), and six Advanced Stirling Convertors (ASCs), manufactured by Sunpower, Inc. Total hours of operation is greater than 514,000 hours (59 years). Several tests have been initiated to demonstrate the functionality of Stirling convertors for space applications, including: in-air extended operation, thermal vacuum extended operation. Other tests have also been conducted to characterize Stirling performance in anticipated mission scenarios. Data collected during testing has been used to support life and reliability estimates, drive design changes and improve quality, and plan for expected mission scenarios. This paper will provide a summary of convertors tested at NASA GRC and discuss lessons learned through extended testing. |
| File Size | 974737 |
| Page Count | 22 |
| File Format | |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://archive.org/details/NASA_NTRS_Archive_20140011479 |
| Archival Resource Key | ark:/13960/t9x113h5r |
| Language | English |
| Publisher Date | 2013-11-01 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Energy Conversion Efficiency Piston Engines Stirling Cycle Thermodynamics Lessons Learned Radioisotope Heat Sources Systems Engineering Plutonium Reliability Technology Utilization Ntrs Nasa Technical Reports ServerĀ (ntrs) Nasa Technical Reports Server Aerodynamics Aircraft Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Aeronautic Space Science |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Technical Report |