A thermoacoustic power converter for use in space in the conversion of radioisotope‐generated heat to electricity is under development. The converter incorporates a thermoacoustic driver that converts heat to acoustic power without any moving parts. The acoustic power is used to drive a pair of flexure bearing supported pistons connected to voice coils in a vibrationally balanced pair of moving coil alternators. Initial tests of the small ∼100W thermoacoustic driver have demonstrated good efficiency. An alternator matched to the driver is now under construction. A description of the system and the results of development tests are presented.
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2003 American Institute of Physics.
2003
American Institute of Physics
You do not currently have access to this content.
