Status of free piston Stirling engine driven heat pumps: development, issues, and options. Final report
This report summarizes the results of a program to review the recent experience with free piston Stirling engine (FPSE) driven heat pump systems and to identify key technical and cost issues which should be the focus of the future program efforts. The effort emphasizes experience with the programs undertaken by General Electric Company (inertial compressor concept) and Mechanical Technology, Inc. (hydraulically coupled system) since they have received the major funding by the Department of Energy and others since the late 1970's. Issues addressed by the study include the status and prospects of FPSEs as heat pump drives, design and operational characteristics which might limit reliability and life, unique factors such as gas spring losses, influencing the efficiency of FPSE, and the cost constraints on the system to be economically competitive with conventional equipment and other heat actuated heat pump options. Special attention was given to the impacts of unlubricated seal and bearing options on system life, reliability, and cost.
- Research Organization:
- Little (Arthur D.), Inc., Cambridge, MA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 5069083
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/Sub-84-00205/1; ON: DE87001595
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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