Figure 1. Stirling Generator for NASA Space Nuclear Power Systems
NASA needs advanced power-conversion technologies to improve the efficiency and reliability of power conversion for space exploration missions. Under a three-phase NASA SBIR project, we are developing a Stirling Generator to meet NASA needs (see Figure 1). Our Stirling Generator adapts technology we have developed for high-reliability long-life (> 10 years) space-based Stirling-cycle cryocoolers, including our technologies for: (1) Ultra-Compact Recuperators (UCRs); (2) reliable friction-free fluid-film bearings; and (3) precision-manufacturing processes. Our Stirling Generator also uses our proprietary compressor and expander technology. Our compressor and expander technology enables near-isothermal compressions and expansions, which allow our Stirling Generator to achieve a high percentage of the Carnot thermal efficiency. In Phase I, we generated a preliminary design of our Stirling Generator and projected its performance (efficiency, size, and weight) and reliability. We project our design for a Stirling Generator with a 1.054 kWe output will: (1) achieve a 37.91% electrical efficiency (62.42% of the Carnot efficiency); (2) fit in a 6” diameter x 7.5” length cylindrical volume; (3) weigh 21.57 lbm (9.785 kg; 9.284 kg/kWe specific mass; 107.7 We/kg specific power); and (4) experience no performance degradation or failures over a 10 year operating life. In Phase II, we will build and demonstrate a prototype 1 kWe Stirling Generator and deliver the prototype to NASA for functional and environmental testing. In Phase III, we will build and sell Stirling Generators for many government and private-sector applications.
NASA needs advanced power-conversion technologies to improve the efficiency and reliability of power conversion for space exploration missions. Under a three-phase NASA SBIR project, we are developing a Stirling Generator to meet NASA needs (see Figure 1). Our Stirling Generator adapts technology we have developed for high-reliability long-life (> 10 years) space-based Stirling-cycle cryocoolers, including our technologies for: (1) Ultra-Compact Recuperators (UCRs); (2) reliable friction-free fluid-film bearings; and (3) precision-manufacturing processes. Our Stirling Generator also uses our proprietary compressor and expander technology. Our compressor and expander technology enables near-isothermal compressions and expansions, which allow our Stirling Generator to achieve a high percentage of the Carnot thermal efficiency. In Phase I, we generated a preliminary design of our Stirling Generator and projected its performance (efficiency, size, and weight) and reliability. We project our design for a Stirling Generator with a 1.054 kWe output will: (1) achieve a 37.91% electrical efficiency (62.42% of the Carnot efficiency); (2) fit in a 6” diameter x 7.5” length cylindrical volume; (3) weigh 21.57 lbm (9.785 kg; 9.284 kg/kWe specific mass; 107.7 We/kg specific power); and (4) experience no performance degradation or failures over a 10 year operating life. In Phase II, we will build and demonstrate a prototype 1 kWe Stirling Generator and deliver the prototype to NASA for functional and environmental testing. In Phase III, we will build and sell Stirling Generators for many government and private-sector applications.