Testing of a variable-stroke Stirling engineTesting of a variable-stroke Stirling engine at NASA Lewis has been completed. In support of the DOE Stirling Engine Highway Vehicle Systems Program, the engine was tested for about 70 hours total with both He and H2 working fluids over a range of pressures and strokes. A direct comparison was made of part-load efficiencies obtained with variable-stroke (VS) and variable-pressure operation. Two failures with the variable-angle swash-plate drive system limited testing to low power levels. These failures are not thought to be caused by problems inherent with the VS concept but do emphasize the need for careful design in the area of the crossheads.
Document ID
19870030762
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Thieme, L. G. (NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Allen, D. J. (Sverdrup Technology, Inc. Cleveland, OH, United States)