Power converter tbc generator#
Power converter tbc verification#

It was paired to TDC #14, which was disassembled and inspected after 12 years of error-free operation to document the state of the internal surfaces. The four longest running TDCs have accumulated over 53 years of operation and TDC #13 is currently the longest running heat engine in the world with over 14 years of operation. It includes changes that improve performance, reduce mass, and improve manufacturability, compared to the TDC.Ī total of 16 TDC prototypes and two engineering units were produced during the flight contract, between 2000-2006.

Power converter tbc generator#

The FISC prototype is based on the Technology Demonstration Convertor (TDC), developed during the 110W Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG-110) flight development project. The FISC prototype concept is being developed by American Superconductor (AMSC) of Richland, WA. Flexure Isotope Stirling Convertor (FISC) In addition to performance testing and extended operation, launch vibration simulation testing and centrifuge testing is planned.

In addition to the on-going extended operation of several older long-lived Stirling convertors, GRC’s Stirling Research Laboratory is being upgraded to conduct key testing of these DRPS convertor prototypes. Creare continues to work on production of the Brayton prototype with anticipated completion in early 2021. AMSC is nearing completion of two Stirling convertors with anticipated delivery at the end of 2020. A discussion of each of the three contracts is given below.Īs of October 2020, Sunpower, one of the three DRPS contractors, has completed the fabrication phase and has delivered two Stirling convertor prototypes to GRC.

The environmental testing simulates the harsh conditions that are anticipated during a science mission, including random vibration to simulate the launch sequence and centrifuge testing to simulate static loads anticipated during decent and landing on a planetary surface.

Power converter tbc verification#

Upon delivery, the prototypes will undergo validation and verification (V&V) testing at NASA facilities, including acceptance testing, performance verification, and environmental testing. The 2017 design phase was followed by fabrication of the convertor prototypes, where assembly and production testing are being completed to demonstrate functionality prior to delivery to GRC. The contracts consist of three phases: Design, Fabrication, and Test.

Two of the contracts are focused on Stirling-cycle machines, and another is pursuing Brayton conversion. Three convertor development contracts supporting this effort are currently underway. The DRPS project is initiating a new chapter of technology maturation of high-efficiency dynamic power convertor technologies. NASA’s RPS Program, through the Dynamic RPS (DRPS) Project, seeks to mature dynamic power convertor prototypes that are reliable, robust, and highly efficient to support future flight RPS generator development. NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is supporting the development of dynamic power convertors for future Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS). Home > Research & Engineering > Dynamic Thermal Energy Conversion Dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems (DRPS)