Space Power Generation - The proposed innovation has the potential to support space power generation applications in the 10's – 100's We power range using radioisotope heat sources. Multiple units could be stacked to provide increased power. Aided by its internal geometric simplicity, the ring-configuration double-acting free-piston Stirling convertor has the potential to enable more reliable and long-life convertor operation via less complicated and more robust hydrodynamic bearing approaches than are presently used by the other Stirling convertors. Space-based Cryocooling – The convertor could also be optimized to serve as a cryocooler for NASA applications that would benefit from a cooled central-bore and long-life operation. Possible examples might include: cryocooling of superconducting magnetic bearings in support of flywheel energy storage systems, flow-through fluid cooling, re-condensation of cryogenic gases for zero-boiloff fluid storage, sensor cooling, etc.
Power Generation - The FPS convertor has been proposed for solar thermal power generation applications in conjunction with thermal energy storage to provide fully-dispatchable power generation any time of day. The convertor has the potential to be a lower cost alternative to other Stirling machines and might find application as a generator using natural gas or renewable biofuels. Cryocooling – As a cryocooler, the proposed device might be optimized to cool high-temperature superconducting magnetic bearings (SMB) in industrial spindles and motors. The associated reduced frictional losses and reduced maintenance of these SMB systems combined with the lower cost of this cryocooler have the potential to enable the first economical widespread deployment of flywheel energy storage systems for portable and stationary applications – including grid stabilization, renewable energy firming, and uninterruptible power supplies. The cryocooler will also have potential to be applied for zero-boiloff re-condensation of volatile fuels and other substances.
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