Towards Fully Three-Dimensional Virtual Stirling Convertors for Multiphysics Analysis and Optimization

Wang

et al. 2010

AMM

Stirling engine is a heat engine which is enclosed a fixed quantity of permanently gaseous fluid as the working fluid. The free-piston Stirling engine is noted for its high efficiency, quiet operation, long life without maintenance in ten years and the ease with which it can use almost any heat source. Stirling cycle analysis method has been successfully applied to improve the free-piston Stirling engine design by its step-by-step development on order. This study presents the development and application of Stirling cycle analysis method. Discussions about use of multi-dimension CFD software simulating free piston Stirling engine when there’s not any available experimental data for its design will provide. Since it needs less computing resource and time to get 1D simulation results with some accuracy, the application of multi-dimension CFD could be very helpful to improve accuracy of 1D result with the details of the different simplified model parameters used in 1D model. The research demonstrates that with the combination of high order Stirling cycle analysis method, the design of the free-piston Stirling engine with the aid of numerical method could be much more effectively and accurately.

Section: Stirling Cycle Analysis Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improve the Free-Piston Stirling Engine Design with High Order Analysis Method

Wang

et al. 2010

AMM

6th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference (IECEC)

“…16 This has often been proposed as a method for shortening the time it takes to develop a Stirling convertor as modifications can be made more quickly to the model and analysis performed than many hardware modifications. When applied properly, this should ultimately result in cost savings.…”

Section: E Advanced Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting Technology at GRC to Mitigate Risk as Stirling Power Conversion Transitions to Flight

Schreiber

Thieme

Wong

2008

Stirling power conversion technology has been reaching more advanced levels of maturity during its development for space power applications. The current effort is in support of the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG), which is being developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company (LMSSC), Sunpower Inc., and the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). This generator would use two high-efficiency Advanced Stirling Convertors (ASCs) to convert thermal energy from a radioisotope heat source into electricity. Of paramount importance is the reliability of the power system and as a part of this, the Stirling power convertors. GRC has established a supporting technology effort with tasks in the areas of reliability, convertor testing, high-temperature materials, structures, advanced analysis, organics, and permanent magnets. The project utilizes the matrix system at GRC to make use of resident experts in each of the aforementioned fields. Each task is intended to reduce risk and enhance reliability of the convertor as this technology transitions toward flight status. This paper will provide an overview of each task, outline the recent efforts and accomplishments, and show how they mitigate risk and impact the reliability of the ASC's and ultimately, the ASRG. Nomenclature

4th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference and Exhibit (IECEC)

Developmental Considerations on the Free-Piston Stirling Power Convertor for Use in Space

Schreiber

2006

Free-piston Stirling power conversion has been considered a candidate for radioisotope power systems for space for more than a decade. Prior to the free-piston Stirling architecture, systems were designed with kinematic Stirling engines with rotary alternators to convert heat to electricity. These systems were proposed with lightly loaded linkages to achieve the necessary life. When the free-piston configuration was initially proposed, it was thought to be attractive due to the relatively high conversion efficiency, acceptable mass, and the potential for long life and high reliability. These features have consistently been recognized by teams that have studied technology options for radioisotope power systems. Since free-piston Stirling power conversion was first considered for space power applications, there have been major advances in three general areas of development: demonstration of life and reliability, the success achieved by Stirling cryocoolers in flight, and the overall developmental maturity of the technology for both flight and terrestrial applications. Based on these advances, free-piston Stirling convertors are currently being developed for a number of terrestrial applications. They commonly operate with the power, efficiency, life, and reliability as intended, and much of the development now centers on system integration. This paper will summarize the accomplishments of free-piston Stirling power conversion technology over the past decade, review the status, and discuss the challenges that remain.https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20070017910 2018-05-09T20:22:48+00:00Z