Nuclear Technologies for Space Exploration Conference
A progress update is presented of the NASA LeRC Free-Piston Stirling Space Power Converter Technology Project. This work is being conducted under NASA's Civil Space Technology Initiative (CSTI). The goal of the CSTI High Capacity Power Element is to develop the technology base needed to meet the long duration, high capacity power requirements for future NASA space initiatives. Efforts are focused upon increasing system power output and system thermal and electric energy conversion efficiency at least five fold over current SP-100 technology, and on achieving systems that are compatible with space nuclear reactors. This paper will discuss progress toward 1050 K Stirling Space Power Converters. Fabrication is nearly completed for the 1050 K Component Test Power Converter (CTPC); results of motoring tests of the cold end (525 K), are presented. The success of these and future designs is dependent upon supporting research and technology efforts including heat pipes, bearings, superalloy joining technologies, high efficiency alternators, life and reliability testing, and predictive methodologies. This paper will compare progress in significant areas of component development from the start of the program with the Space Power Development Engine (SPDE) to the present work on CTPC.
- Research Organization:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (United States). Lewis Research Center
- OSTI ID:
- 6904542
- Report Number(s):
- N-92-33898; NASA-TM-105748; E-7153; NAS-1.15:105748; CONF-9208114-; CNN: RTOP 590-13-11
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: American Nuclear Society meeting, Jackson Hole, WY (United States), 16-19 Aug 1992; Other Information: Sponsored by ANS
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
SPACE POWER REACTORS
STIRLING CYCLE
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
BEARINGS
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONVERSION
FORECASTING
HEAT PIPES
HEAT RESISTING ALLOYS
JOINING
PERFORMANCE TESTING
SERVICE LIFE
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TEST FACILITIES
ALLOYS
CONVERSION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FABRICATION
HEAT RESISTANT MATERIALS
LIFETIME
MATERIALS
MOBILE REACTORS
POWER REACTORS
POWER SUPPLIES
REACTORS
TESTING
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
425003* - Engineering- Power Cycles- Stirling- (1980-)
210600 - Power Reactors
Auxiliary
Mobile Package
& Transportable