![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
. | ![]() |
. |
![]() by Doreen Zudell for GRC News Cleveland OH (SPX) Apr 21, 2020
Stirling convertors can teach us a lesson in the value of perseverance. On March 9, a free-piston Stirling power convertor accomplished 14 years of maintenance-free operation in the Stirling Research Laboratory at NASA's Glenn Research Center. This technology is proving our ability to power spacecraft on long-duration, future space missions. As NASA seeks to learn more about the universe and our place in it, scientists and engineers are working on new Dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) to enable missions to dark, dusty, or distant worlds. These efficient new systems could enable missions on the Moon or Mars. And for deep space science missions, they could sustain power longer (while using less fuel) so that more power would be available later in the mission when it is needed most for operating science instruments and transmitting data back to Earth. "This new milestone is particularly significant," said Wayne Wong, chief of Glenn's Thermal Energy Conversion Branch. "Previous flight projects determined that the mission duration requirement for RPS is 14 years, particularly for outer planetary missions with long cruise times." Wong explained that technological innovations such as non-contact seals and bearings enable maintenance-free moving mechanical devices that exhibit no wear. The RPS Program develops free-piston Stirling technology as a much higher efficiency alternative to the thermoelectric power systems currently used for deep space missions and Mars rovers. Called the Technology Demonstration Convertor (TDC) #13, the record-breaking power convertor is the oldest of several convertors with 10 to 14 years of operation on tests that have shown no signs of degradation. This unit began operation at Glenn in 2002 after it was delivered by Stirling Technology Company, which is now part of American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC). How does it work? The decay of radioisotope fuel provides heat energy and the Stirling convertor turns it into electricity. Free floating pistons inside the convertor's engine move continuously at high frequency, but the moving surfaces have no contact with other parts. Engineers have eliminated the wear mechanisms by using non-contact bearings. The Dynamic RPS Project is developing three next-generation power convertor designs, including one that is based on the record-setting TDC #13. Prototypes of each design will be delivered to Glenn later this year for rigorous testing to ensure they meet the demands of future science missions.
![]() ![]() Clean Power Alliance signs large-scale 100MW battery Energy Storage Agreement Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 13, 2020 Demonstrating its commitment to invest in local clean energy during a time of economic uncertainty, Clean Power Alliance (CPA) has inked its first Energy Storage Agreement (ESA). Approved by the CPA Board of Directors on April 2nd, the 100MW Luna Storage standalone battery storage project is the largest ESA deal for a CCA in California and one of the largest in the entire state. The project marks the continued evolution and increase in the scale of CPA's procurement efforts to fulfill the state's ... read more
![]() |
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us. |