Free Piston Stirling Engine Simulation, used for Electric Power Supply of a Small Satellite
- Paper number
IAC-05-C3.P.04
- Author
Dr. Naser Seraj Mehdizadeh, Amirkabir University of Technology of Tehran, Iran
- Coauthor
Mrs. Asrin Ghanbarian, Amirkabir University of Technology of Tehran, Iran
- Year
2005
- Abstract
In recent years, satellite applications in various fields, such as communication, information technology and meteorology, have been considerably increased. One of the most important issues in developing satellites is supplying required electric power. Today, due to high capability in using solar energy, long life and high efficiency, Stirling engine is widely employed as a power converter in satellites. In this study, after selecting a typical satellite, equipped with Martini type free piston Stirling engine, the engine is simulated using zero-dimensional and decoupled methods. Governing equations are solved by means of numerical scheme. Finally, the results, obtained from these two methods, are compared and discussed. In this research following parameters are studied and are compared based on the above-mentioned methods: 1. Dynamic response and movement of free pistons 2. Pressure variation in various parts of engine 3. Temperature variation in various parts of engine 4. Engine efficiency 5. Generated electric power variation 6. Voltage variation As a final result, it has been concluded that between above-mentioned methods, decoupled method provides improved simulation, and consequently this method can be considered as preferred technique for free piston Stirling engine simulation. Moreover, CPU time of both methods is comparable. However, zero-dimensional can be engaged for rapid evaluation of the engine performance, according to which geometry of the engine can be chosen. Key Words: Satellite – Stirling Engine – Power Supply – Free Piston – Thermal Simulation
- Abstract document