HR: 0800h
AN: P51C-0937    [Abstracts]
TI: The NASA Next Generation Stirling Technology Program Overview
AU: * Schreiber, J G
EM: jeffrey.g.schreiber@nasa.gov
AF: NASA Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, Oh 44135
AU: Shaltens, R K
EM: richard.k.shaltens@nasa.gov
AF: NASA Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, Oh 44135
AU: Wong, W A
EM: wayne.a.wong@nasa.gov
AF: NASA Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, Oh 44135
AB: NASAs Science Mission Directorate is developing the next generation Stirling technology for future Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) for surface and deep space missions. The next generation Stirling convertor is one of two advanced power conversion technologies currently being developed for future NASA missions, and is capable of operating for both planetary atmospheres and deep space environments. The Stirling convertor (free-piston engine integrated with a linear alternator) produces about 90 We(ac) and has a specific power of about 90 We/kg. Operating conditions of Thot at 850 degree C and Trej at 90 degree C results in the Stirling convertor estimated efficiency of about 40 per cent. Using the next generation Stirling convertor in future RPS, the "system" specific power is estimated at 8 We/kg. The design lifetime is three years on the surface of Mars and fourteen years in deep space missions. Electrical power of about 160 We (BOM) is produced by two (2) free-piston Stirling convertors heated by two (2) General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) modules. This development is being performed by Sunpower, Athens, OH with Pratt & Whitney, Rocketdyne, Canoga Park, CA under contract to Glenn Research Center (GRC), Cleveland, Ohio. GRC is guiding the independent testing and technology development for the next generation Stirling generator.
DE: 5200 PLANETARY SCIENCES: ASTROBIOLOGY
DE: 5400 PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLID SURFACE PLANETS
DE: 5700 PLANETARY SCIENCES: FLUID PLANETS
DE: 6000 PLANETARY SCIENCES: COMETS AND SMALL BODIES
DE: 6200 PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS
SC: Planetary Sciences [P]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005