Project Title:

Multi-Hundred-Watt, Stirling Technology Demonstrator for Space Power

92-1-10.01-4000A                                                  NAS03-26722
Multi-Hundred-Watt, Stirling Technology
     Demonstrator for Space Power
Stirling Technology Company
2952 George Washington Way
Richland, WA  99352
Brad A. Ross                                         (509-375-4000)

Abstract:

     A free-piston, linear alternator Stirling power convertor
will be designed that will demonstrate the technology needed for a
dynamic isotope power system (DIPS) with a nominal end-of-mission
output of 500 watts. The multi-hundred-watt Stirling technology
demonstrator (MSTD) will be innovative for many reasons, including
its use of flexural bearings for noncontacting operation of the
piston and displacer, the lack of gas springs and center ports in
a Stirling convertor, the radiative coupling of the Stirling
convertor heater head to the heat source, and the system's
potentially long life. The MSTD will be a spin-off of the
company's successful development of technology used for a 300-watt
domestic refrigerator. Phase I will design the MSTD and Phase II
will assemble and shake-out testing of the MSTD and Phase III will
test the endurance of the MSTD.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  This novel energy conversion
concept is ideally suited for applications where the high
efficiency, reliability, and uniform performance, of a DIPS has
high priority. These applications include space power systems and
some remote terrestrial power systems.

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