Reliability Assessment Approach for Stirling Convertors and Generators
Abstract
Stirling power conversion is being considered for use in a Radioisotope Power System (RPS) for deep space science missions because it offers a multifold increase in the conversion efficiency of heat to electric power. Quantifying the reliability of an RPS that utilizes Stirling power conversion technology is important to develop and demonstrate the capability for long-term success. A description of the Stirling power convertor is provided, along with a discussion about some of the key components. On-going efforts to understand component life, design variables at the component and system levels, and related sources and nature of uncertainties is discussed. The requirement for reliability is discussed, and some of the critical areas of concern are identified. A section on the objectives of the overall development of the performance model and computation of reliability is included to highlight the goals of this effort. Also, a viable physics based reliability plan to model the design level variable uncertainties at the component level and the system level is outlined, and potential benefits elucidated. The plan encompasses interaction of different disciplines, maintaining the physical and probabilistic correlations at all the levels, and a verification process based on rational short-term tests. Additionally, both top-down and bottom-up coherency has been maintained in order to follow the physics based design process and mission requirements. The outlined reliability assessment approach provides guidelines to improve the design and identifies governing variables to achieve high reliability in the SRG (Stirling Radioisotope Generator) design.
- Publication:
-
Space Technology and Applications International Forum - STAIF 2003
- Pub Date:
- January 2003
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.1541351
- Bibcode:
- 2003AIPC..654..648S
- Keywords:
-
- 89.20.Bb;
- 07.87.+v;
- Industrial and technological research and development;
- Spaceborne and space research instruments apparatus and components