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Development of a Low Inductance Linear Alternator for Stirling Power ConvertorsThe free-piston Stirling power convertor is a promising technology for high efficiency heat-to-electricity power conversion in space. Stirling power convertors typically utilize linear alternators for converting mechanical motion into electricity. The linear alternator is one of the heaviest components of modern Stirling power convertors. In addition, state-of-art Stirling linear alternators usually require the use of tuning capacitors or active power factor correction controllers to maximize convertor output power. The linear alternator to be discussed in this paper, eliminates the need for tuning capacitors and delivers electrical power output in which current is inherently in phase with voltage. No power factor correction is needed. In addition, the linear alternator concept requires very little iron, so core loss has been virtually eliminated. This concept is a unique moving coil design where the magnetic flux path is defined by the magnets themselves. This paper presents computational predictions for two different low inductance alternator configurations, and compares the predictions with experimental data for one of the configurations that has been built and is currently being tested.
Document ID
20170006537
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Geng, Steven M.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Schifer, Nicholas A.
(NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH United States)
Date Acquired
July 13, 2017
Publication Date
July 10, 2017
Subject Category
Engineering (General)
Report/Patent Number
GRC-E-DAA-TN43718
E-19383
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference
Location: Atlanta, GA
Country: United States
Start Date: July 10, 2017
End Date: July 12, 2017
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 138494.04.18.01.01.01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
Stirling
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