Search NASA⌕ Search
Home/Archive/NASA NTRS

NASA NTRS · 20160012348

Performance Testing of a High Temperature Linear Alternator for Stirling Convertors

Metscher, Jonathan F.·Geng, Steven M.
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

The NASA Glenn Research Center has conducted performance testing of a high temperature linear alternator (HTLA) in support of Stirling power convertor development for potential future Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS). The high temperature linear alternator is a modified version of that used in Sunpower's Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC), and is capable of operation at temperatures up to 200 deg. Increasing the temperature capability of the linear alternator could expand the mission set of future Stirling RPS designs. High temperature Neodymium-Iron-Boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnets were selected for the HTLA application, and were fully characterized and tested prior to use. Higher temperature epoxy for alternator assembly was also selected and tested for thermal stability and strength. A characterization test was performed on the HTLA to measure its performance at various amplitudes, loads, and temperatures. HTLA endurance testing at 200 deg is currently underway.

Explore related subjects

Radioisotope Power SystemHigh Temperature Linear AlternatorAlternator Test RigAdvanced Stirling Radioisotope GeneratorFast Linear Displacement TransducerAdvanced Stirling Convertor

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Metscher, Jonathan F., Geng, Steven M.. 2016-10-01. Performance Testing of a High Temperature Linear Alternator for Stirling Convertors. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20160012348

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related reports

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Comparative Analysis of Thermal Conversion Technologies for Deep Space Missions

Radioisotope power systems (RPS) utilizing Plutonium-238 as a heat source for thermal-to-electric energy conversion have been used as a reliable power source for NASA’s deep space missions for sixty years. Recent innovations and improvements to thermal energy technologies show potential increases to radioisotope system efficiencies from current measurements of ~5-7% to efficiencies upwards of 20%. This report surveys and ranks recent, innovative thermal-to-electric energy conversion research technologies. Technologies being developed at universities and industry are compared with respect to thermal conversion method and relevant key performance parameters. Key performance parameters are identified as system specific power per kg, efficiency, power output, technology readiness level, and system mass. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was utilized to create weighted values for each evaluation criterion. The AHP tables combined with decision matrices create table scores for past, present, and potential future systems. The table score was combined with a conversion method score in an adjustable system to add value to flight-proven or well-tested thermal conversion technologies such as thermoelectrics. While the three highest-ranking systems reviewed are currently being developed by NASA’s RPS Program, the additional highest-ranking systems not under-development by RPS could warrant further research.

Radioisotope Power System↗