Receiver Development for a Solar Dynamic Power Module with Respect to Space and Terrestrial Applications.

Abstract

Solar dynamic power modules will be necessary to meet the rapidly growing power demand of future space stations. A heat pipe/heat storage receiver concept for solar dynamic energy conversion units with a Stirling engine for space stations is presented. Estimates for the heat flows between heat pipe - heat storage - Stirling heater head are described. They show that the heat transfer from and to the storage elements is adequate in all operation modes and stages of loading on the storage. The dish/Stirling technology has also a high terrestrial potential. A first heat pipe receiver was built for a terrestrial module, using an SPS V-160 Stirling engine. Test results of the performance tests of the V-160 Stirling heated by a natural gas burner and the heat pipe receiver/Stirling unit, heated by an electrical graphite heater, are presented. The V-160 Stirling showed a good part load performance and a maximum thermal to electricconversion efficiency of 26.5 % at 8.9 kWe powewr output. The heat pipe receiver performed without problems. A maximum electrical heating power of 35 kW has been applied. Dynamic system behaviour hasbeen tested with rapid changes in power input between 0 and 20 kW.