Initial tests of thermoacoustic space power engine.
- Scott N.
Future NASA deep-space missions will require radioisotope-powered electric generators that are just as reliable as current RTGs, but more efficient and of higher specific power (Wikg). Thennoacoustic engines at the -1-kW scale have converted high-temperature heat into acoustic, or PV, power without moving parts at 30% efficiency. Consisting of only tubes and a few heat exchangers, thennoacoustic engines are low mass and promise to be highly reliable. Coupling a thennoacoustic engine to a low mass, highly reliable and efficient linear alternator will create a heat-driven electric generator suitable for deep-space applications. Conversion efficiency data will be presented on a demonstration thennoacoustic engine designed for the 1 00-Watt power range.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE
- OSTI ID:
- 976353
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-02-5975
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Thermoacoustic power systems for space applications
Design of small Stirling Dynamic Isotope Power System for robotic space missions
Pu-powered space probes face uncertain future
Conference
·
Sun Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 2000
·
OSTI ID:975824
Design of small Stirling Dynamic Isotope Power System for robotic space missions
Conference
·
Sat Jan 09 23:00:00 EST 1993
· AIP Conference Proceedings (American Institute of Physics); (United States)
·
OSTI ID:5535308
Pu-powered space probes face uncertain future
Journal Article
·
Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1994
· Nuclear News
·
OSTI ID:146812