Free-Piston Stirling Power Conversion Unit for Fission Surface Power, Phase I Final ReportThis report summarizes the design of a 12 kW dual opposed free-piston Stirling convertor and controller for potential future use in space missions. The convertor is heated via a pumped NaK loop and cooling is provided by a pumped water circuit. Convertor efficiency is projected at 27 percent (AC electrical out/heat in). The controller converts the AC electrical output to 120 Vdc and is projected at 91 percent efficiency. A mechanically simple arrangement, based on proven technology, was selected in which the piston is resonated almost entirely by the working space pressure swing, while the displacer is resonated by planar mechanical springs in the bounce space.
Document ID
20100031133
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Wood, J. Gary (SunPower, Inc. Athens, OH, United States)
Buffalino, Andrew (SunPower, Inc. Athens, OH, United States)
Holliday, Ezekiel (SunPower, Inc. Athens, OH, United States)
Penswick, Barry (Penswick (Barry) Stevenson, WA, United States)
Gedeon, David (Gedeon Associates Athens, OH, United States)