Further testing and development of an 11-watt Stirling converter

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:170418

Ross, B A; Montgomery, W L ^[1]

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1. Stirling Technology Co., Richland, WA (United States)

Three previous IECEC papers describe the development of an 11-watt Radioisotope Stirling Generator (RSG) intended for remote power applications. This paper describes more recent testing and development activities. Testing of the engineering model (EM) was performed to determine the effect of heat rejection temperature, thermal input and initial charge pressure on thermal efficiency. Shock testing of the generator included a drop test and 3 hours of testing in a random vibration environment where g{sup 2}/Hz = 0.04. Endurance testing of a complete Stirling converter continues, with over 15,000 maintenance-free operating hours. Endurance testing of critical subsystems and components has achieved 14,000 to 26,000 hours of operation without failure. Minor changes to the RSG prototype design, based on the development of the EM, are described.

• OSTI ID: 170418
• Report Number(s): CONF-950729--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
42 ENGINEERING
DESIGN
MECHANICAL TESTS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PERFORMANCE TESTING
RADIOISOTOPE BATTERIES
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
SERVICE LIFE
STIRLING ENGINES
THERMAL EFFICIENCY