Extended Operation of Stirling Convertors at NASA Glenn Research Center

Oriti, Salvatore M.

doi:10.2514/6.2011-5726

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…During this test, relevant temperatures, and other data was recorded using the standard Stirling Research Lab data acquisition system and test rack. 8 After the test article was installed, VF-17 was allowed to pump down to below 5x10 -5 torr. For the test, data was gathered at 5 different operating points.…”

Section: B Insulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Overview of Stirling Technology Research at NASA Glenn Research Center

Wilson

Schifer²,

Williams³

et al. 2015

13th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference

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Stirling Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) are under development to provide power on future space science missions where robotic spacecraft will orbit, flyby, land or rove using less than a quarter of the plutonium the currently available RPS uses to produce about the same power. Glenn Research Center's (GRC's) newly formulated Stirling Cycle Technology Development Project (SCTDP) continues development of Stirling-based systems and subsystems, which include a flight-like generator and related housing assembly, controller, and convertors. The project also develops less mature technologies under Stirling Technology Research, with a focus on demonstration in representative environments to increase the technology readiness level (TRL). Matured technologies are evaluated for selection in future generator designs. Stirling Technology Research tasks focus on a wide variety of objectives, including increasing temperature capability to enable new environments, reducing generator mass and/or size, improving reliability or system fault tolerance, and developing alternative designs. The task objectives and status are summarized.

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Section: B Insulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Overview of Stirling Technology Research at NASA Glenn Research Center

Wilson

Schifer²,

Williams³

et al. 2015

13th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…For this purpose, GRC has established a laboratory that is conducting extended operation of several ASCs (Ref. 2). The goal of this effort is to generate performance data over a sufficiently long period of time (tens of thousands of hours) to support probabilistic reliability analyses.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advanced Stirling Convertor Durability Testing: Plans and Interim Results

Meer

Oriti

2012

10th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin Corporation (LM), and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) for use as a power system for space science missions. In support of this program, GRC has been involved in testing Stirling convertors, including the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC), for use in the ASRG. This testing includes electromagnetic interference/compatibility (EMI/EMC), structural dynamics, advanced materials, organics, and unattended extended operation. The purpose of the durability tests is to experimentally demonstrate the margins in the ASC design. Due to the high value of the hardware, previous ASC tests focused on establishing baseline performance of the convertors within the nominal operating conditions. The durability tests present the first planned extension of the operating conditions into regions beyond those intended to meet the product spec, where the possibility exists of lateral contact, overstroke, or over-temperature events. These tests are not intended to cause damage that would shorten the life of the convertors, so they can transition into extended operation at the conclusion of the tests. This paper describes the four tests included in the durability test sequence: 1) start/stop cycling, 2) exposure to constant acceleration in the lateral and axial directions, 3) random vibration at increased piston amplitude to induce contact events, and 4) overstroke testing to simulate potential failures during processing or during the mission life where contact events could occur. The paper also summarizes the analysis and simulation used to predict the results of each of these tests. Nomenclature IntroductionThe Thermal Energy Conversion Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been supporting the development of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG). The ASRG has been identified for potential use on two of the three candidate Discovery 12 missions (Ref. 1). A key element of the ASRG project is providing life, reliability, and performance data for the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC). For this purpose, GRC has established a laboratory that is conducting extended operation of several ASCs (Ref. 2). The goal of this effort is to generate performance data over a sufficiently long period of time (tens of thousands of hours) to support probabilistic reliability analyses.Due to the high value of the hardware, ongoing activity at GRC focuses on operation of hermeticallysealed ASCs at nominal operating conditions. The hermetic nature of those convertors makes inspection difficult. The convertors for the durability test feature a removable pressure vessel to allow for partial disassembly of the convertors and inspection of internal components. The purpose of the durability tests is to experimentally demonstrate the margins in the ASC design. The durability tests present the first planned extension of the operating conditions into regions beyond those intended to meet the ASC product specificatio...

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Theoretically and experimentally founded simulation of the appendix gap in regenerative machines

Sauer

Kuehl

2020

Applied Thermal Engineering

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Extended Operation of Stirling Convertors at NASA Glenn Research Center

Cited by 6 publications

References 6 publications

Overview of Stirling Technology Research at NASA Glenn Research Center

Overview of Stirling Technology Research at NASA Glenn Research Center

Advanced Stirling Convertor Durability Testing: Plans and Interim Results

Theoretically and experimentally founded simulation of the appendix gap in regenerative machines

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