Overview of NASA Lewis Research Center free-piston Stirling engine activities

Slaby, J. G.

A generic free-piston Stirling technology project is being conducted to develop technologies generic to both space power and terrestrial heat pump applications in a cooperative, cost-shared effort. The generic technology effort includes extensive parametric testing of a 1 kW free-piston Stirling engine (RE-1000), development of a free-piston Stirling performance computer code, design and fabrication under contract of a hydraulic output modification for RE-1000 engine tests, and a 1000-hour endurance test, under contract, of a 3 kWe free-piston Stirling/alternator engine. A newly initiated space power technology feasibility demonstration effort addresses the capability of scaling a free-piston Stirling/alternator system to about 25 kWe; developing thermodynamic cycle efficiency or equal to 70 percent of Carnot at temperature ratios in the order of 1.5 to 2.0; achieving a power conversion unit specific weight of 6 kg/kWe; operating with noncontacting gas bearings; and dynamically balancing the system. Planned engine and component design and test efforts are described.

Document ID

19840014444

Acquisition Source

Legacy CDMS

Document Type

Conference Paper

Authors

Date Acquired

September 4, 2013

Publication Date

January 1, 1984

Subject Category

Report/Patent Number

Meeting Information

Meeting: Intersociety Energy Conversion Eng. Conf.

Start Date: August 19, 1984

End Date: August 24, 1984

Sponsors: SAE, AIChE, IEEE, ASME, AIAA, ANS, ACS

Accession Number

84N22512

Funding Number(s)

Distribution Limits

Public

Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Available Downloads

Name

Type

19840014444.pdf

STI

No Preview Available

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Available Downloads

Related Records