Design of a power conditioning unit for a Stirling generator in space applications

Author

Montalban, G. ; Maset, Enrique ; Ejea, Juan B. ; Ferreres, Agustin ; Sanchis, E. ; Garrigos, A. ; Blanes, J.M.

Author_Institution

Electron. Eng. Dept., LEII, Univ. of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain

fYear

2012

fDate

2-5 Oct. 2012

Firstpage

1

Lastpage

7

Abstract

The Free-Piston Stirling Generator (FPSG) is a thermal to electrical energy conversion system, based upon the thermal engine of the same name. Intensive research concerning the feasibility of the engine for its application in deep space and planetary missions has been conducted, primarily due to the potential increase in efficiency (~30%) over the currently used Radio-isotope Generators (RTGs). On the other hand, less attention has been paid to the power conditioning requirements and alternatives. The present work has investigated on the dynamics governing the FPSGs in order to assess the design requirements for the subsequent power-conditioning unit (PCU). Thereafter, two alternatives of AC/DC power stages have been evaluated and are being experimentally validated.

Keywords

AC-DC power convertors; Stirling engines; radioisotope thermoelectric generators; space communication links; thermal energy storage; AC/DC power stages; deep space; electrical energy conversion; free-piston stirling generator; planetary missions; power conditioning unit; radio-isotope generators; thermal energy conversion; thermal engine; Alternators; Capacitors; Generators; Pistons; Radioactive materials; Rectifiers; Voltage control;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Satellite Telecommunications (ESTEL), 2012 IEEE First AESS European Conference on

Conference_Location

Rome

Print_ISBN

978-1-4673-4687-0

Electronic_ISBN

978-1-4673-4686-3

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/ESTEL.2012.6400101

Filename

6400101