Overview of NASA Multi-Dimensional Stirling Convertor Code Development and Validation Effort

Abstract

A NASA grant has been awarded to Cleveland State University (CSU) to develop a multi‐dimensional (multi‐D) Stirling computer code with the goals of improving loss predictions and identifying component areas for improvements. The University of Minnesota (UMN) and Gedeon Associates are teamed with CSU. Development of test rigs at UMN and CSU and validation of the code against test data are part of the effort. The one‐dimensional (1‐D) Stirling codes used for design and performance prediction do not rigorously model regions of the working space where abrupt changes in flow area occur (such as manifolds and other transitions between components). Certain hardware experiences have demonstrated large performance gains by varying manifolds and heat exchanger designs to improve flow distributions in the heat exchangers. 1‐D codes were not able to predict these performance gains. An accurate multi‐D code should improve understanding of the effects of area changes along the main flow axis, sensitivity of performance to slight changes in internal geometry, and, in general, the understanding of various internal thermodynamic losses. The commercial CFD‐ACE code has been chosen for development of the multi‐D code. This 2‐D/3‐D code has highly developed pre‐ and post‐processors, and moving boundary capability. Preliminary attempts at validation of CFD‐ACE models of MIT gas spring and “two space” test rigs were encouraging. Also, CSU’s simulations of the UMN oscillating‐flow rig compare well with flow visualization results from UMN. A complementary Department of Energy (DOE) Regenerator Research effort is aiding in development of regenerator matrix models that will be used in the multi‐D Stirling code. This paper reports on the progress and challenges of this multi‐D code development effort.