Final Results for the GRC Supporting Technology Development Project for the 110-Watt Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG110)

Abstract

From 1999‐2006, the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) supported the development of a high‐efficiency, nominal 110‐We Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG110) for potential use on NASA missions, including deep space missions. Mars rovers, and lunar applications. Lockheed Martin (LM) was the system integrator for the SRG110, under contact to the Department of Energy (DOE). Infinia Corporation (formerly Stirling Technology Company) developed the Stirling converter. First as a contractor to DOE and then under subcontract to LM. The SRG110 development has been redirected, and recent program changes have been made to significantly increase the specific power of the generator. System development of an Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) has now begun, using a lightweight, advanced converter from Sunpower, Inc. This paper summarizes the results of the supporting technology effort that GRC completed for the SRG110. GRC tasks included converter extended‐duration testing in air and thermal vacuum environments, heater head life assessment, materials studies, permanent magnet aging characterization, linear alternator evaluations, structural dynamics testing, electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) characterization, organic materials evaluations, reliability studies, and development of an end‐to‐end system dynamic model. Related efforts are now continuing in many of these areas to support ASRG development.