Thermo-hydraulic actuator as a new way for conversion of solar energy in space
A thermo-hydraulic actuator (THA) to directly convert the energy of continuous radiation into mechanical energy of vibration for use in power or propulsive systems in space is described. A THA consists of a chamber with an active liquid and optical fibers to deliver light energy inside. Power input comes from either argon laser or a solar concentrator 300 mm. in diameter. The principle of THA function is self-organization of a heat cycle that takes place by using a state of liquid (inversion) powered by light up to a temperature much higher than the temperature of boiling. As a result, an excited state of liquid is able to form a single cavity to absorb thermal energy that is available to be converted by the non-equilibrium phase transition of first order into mechanical energy. This work stroke of a THA to form a hydraulic shock has been stimulated by non-linear mechanical motion of a single cavity and non-equilibrium phase transition of first order. The main feature of THA to accumulate energy of light in form of heat between sequential mechanical impulses gives the unique possibility to reach the motive forces induced by solar light by many order of the magnitude greater than the forces available by equilibrium radiation pressure. The first free-piston actuator (FPA) powered by solar light is also described. The construction consists of parabolic collector of diameter of 300mm and a transparent window with mounted actuator that has of a hollow piston with active liquid. Direct generation of hydraulic shocks by THA and preliminary experiments on generation of vibrations within a construction (FPA) has been proposed to be a new subject of interdisciplinary research to go from physical phenomenon observed in laser experiments to engineering development of new vibration machines powered by solar light. To conclude, a project to apply THA in new solar cosmic propulsive systems is discussed.
- Research Organization:
- General Physics Institute, Moscow (RU)
- OSTI ID:
- 20000227
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 33rd Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, Colorado Springs, CO (US), 08/02/1998--08/06/1998; Other Information: 1 CD-ROM. Operating system required: Windows 3.x; Windows 95/NT; Macintosh; UNIX. All systems need 2X CD-ROM drive., PBD: 1998; Related Information: In: Proceedings of the 33. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference, by Anghaie, S. [ed.], [2800] pages.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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