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NASA Proof-of-Concept 1-W(sub e) Stirling Convertor Development for Small Radioisotope Power SystemsLow power Stirling convertors are being developed at NASA Glenn Research Center to provide future small spacecraft with electrical power by converting heat from one or more Light Weight Radioisotope Heater Units (LWRHU). An initial design converts multiple watts of heat to one watt of electrical power output using a Stirling convertor. A variety of mission concepts have been studied by NASA and the U. S. Department of Energy that would utilize low power Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) for probes, landers, rovers, and repeaters. These missions would contain science instruments distributed across planetary surfaces or near objects of interest where solar flux is insufficient for using solar cells. Landers could be used to provide data such as, radiation, temperature, pressure, seismic activity, and other surface measurements for planetary science and to inform future mission planners. The studies propose using fractional versions of the General Purpose Heat Source or multiple LWRHUs to heat power conversion technologies for science instruments and communication. Dynamic power systems are capable of higher conversion efficiencies, which could enable equal power using less fuel or more power using equal fuel, when compared to less efficient static power conversion technologies. Providing spacecraft with more power would decrease duty cycling of basic functions and, therefore, increase the quality and abundance of science data. Efforts to develop the concept have focused on maturation of a 1-We convertor and controller design and performance evaluation of an evacuated metal foil insulation. A proof-of-concept 1-We convertor, controller, and evacuated metal foil insulation package have been fabricated and are undergoing characterization testing. The current status, findings, and path forward for the effort are explained in this paper.


Document ID
20200000448
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Schifer, Nicholas A. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Wilson, Scott D. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Goodell, Daniel D. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Casciani, Michael R. (Vantage Partners, LLC Brook Park, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
January 16, 2020
Publication Date
December 1, 2019
Subject Category
Engineering (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA–2019–4065
NASA/TM-2019-220316
GRC-E-DAA-TN71841
E-19731
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Country: United States
Start Date: August 19, 2019
End Date: August 22, 2019
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Funding Number(s)
WBS: 138494.04.20.01.02
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNC12BA01B
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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