Stirling Thermoacoustic Power Converter and Magnetostrictive Alternator

Glenn's innovative DELTA convertor uses a double-action push/pull piston, in which an acoustic wave - or sound wave generated by heat - pushes both ends of a single piston. When sound waves are propagated down a narrow tube, they transfer energy along the tube. Conversely, when a heat gradient is introduced, it will generate sound waves that will cause the push/pull piston to oscillate. Using thermoacoustics to oscillate the push/pull piston simplifies engine operation by eliminating moving parts such as hot displacers and heavy springs. The double-action piston is contained by multiple thermo-acoustic stages in series that form a delta-shaped triangular loop. One side of the piston creates an acoustic wave while simultaneously receiving acoustic power on the opposing side, enabling increased power on the single piston as compared to a single-action piston. The simple design consists of a helium-filled tube, heat exchangers, regenerators, and a single, non-contact, oscillating piston. Operating at 400Hz, this convertor can produce four times more power than conventional engines operating at 100Hz, with no hot moving parts, maintenance, lubrication, or electric feedback required. At this higher frequency, the output current is minimized and the specific power is maximized enabling an order of magnitude increase in specific power over conventional engines. Glenn's novel DELTA convertor offers this significantly increased specific power in a compact, lightweight, maintenance-free package that has considerable commercial potential.

Aircraft thermal management systems typically comprise over half the mass associated with full electric power propulsion systems, with significant negative impact on fuel efficiency. In addition, the traditional method of using jet fuel to cool aircraft generators does not provide enough cooling for use in flight-weight cryogenic systems. Lastly, the much higher bus voltages required for flight-weight systems (4.5 kV vs. 270 V) introduce additional spark-ignition hazards associated with alternative cryogenic cooling fuels, including liquid methane or liquid hydrogen. The Glenn flight-weight thermal management system addresses all of these problems by using the considerable waste heat energy from turbogenerators to create a pressure wave thermoacoustically. This wave can then be delivered quietly and efficiently via routed ductwork to hollow pulse-tube coolers located near any component in the aircraft that requires cooling. The tubes can be fabricated in any length and can be curved to fit any space. This technology also allows waste heat energy to be used in at least four ways: 1) the waste heat energy can drive a thermoacoustics-based ambient or cryogenic heat pump; 2) it can be channeled directly into a thermoacoustic engine that generates power; 3) it can convectively preheat the fuel/ or air supplied to the aircraft engine; 4) it can drive a pulse-tube generator providing power. The delivered thermoacoustic power can provide cabin cooling as well as ambient/cryogenic cooling of converter, cables, and motors. In addition, this power can be converted to local electric power through the use of a transducer (such as a linear alternator) or piezoelectrics. Further, the efficient thermal management system enables the size, mass, and resultant cost of the radiating fins to be reduced. Glenn's system offers an efficient method of cooling next-generation flight-weight electric aircraft with significant benefits for fuel efficiency and safety.

Solid state power conversion devices, such as thermoelectrics, depend upon temperature gradients for their operation. For example, aeronautic gas turbine engines maintain the necessary temperature gradients throughout their systems due to the enthalpic processes of combustion, which offers the possibility of generating electrical power for use in primary and secondary electrical systems in the aircraft. However, until now thermoelectric materials have not been able to withstand the combination of high temperatures and oxidative environments present in gas turbine engines. Glenn's innovation overcomes these limitations by using a doped oxide pyrochlore (crystal compound) semiconductor as the thermoelectric material. The material has a low thermal conductivity, which allows it to maintain a thermal gradient and sufficient electrical conductivity to produce an electromotive force. The pyrochlore allows the thermoelectric material to be present within a gas turbine engine, converting heat directly into electricity and functioning at high temperatures without oxidizing in air. Glenn's innovative thermoelectric material permits the benefits of solid-state power conversion devices to improve fuel efficiencies for a broader range of applications than has ever been possible. This innovation is in the early stages of development, and Glenn welcomes opportunities for co-development.

The core “Strayton” generator technology consists of a gas turbine engine with short, axial pistons installed inside the hollow turbine shaft. These pistons form a Stirling engine that cycles via thermo-acoustic waves, transferring heat from the turbine blades to the compressor stage, which improves overall engine performance. Power to an alternator is, thus, delivered from both turbine shaft rotation and the oscillation of the internal pistons. This synergistic relationship is markedly enhanced in a closed-cycle system, where the sealed turbine engine recirculates a working fluid heated via an external source, such as a hydrogen fuel cell and combustor. This system supports higher compression ratios, reduces the turbine diameter to less than 4”, and eliminates the need for large recuperators. Operational efficiency is projected to extend into the low temperature range (750° C), reducing the need for advanced materials and providing cleaner combustion for hydrogen-based applications. Pressurized, inert working fluids also replace mechanical bearings and gearboxes, enabling years of maintenance-free operation. The fuel cell and Stirling cycle produce 10% of the total system energy, while the Brayton cycle produces 90%. Other external heat sources could include nuclear, solar, or biogas. Conservative estimates for the hydrogen fuel-cell configuration lifetime are in the 100,000 hour range.

Glenn's novel system supports the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) strategic plan to leverage advancements in technologies over the next 25 years and beyond, leading to new aircraft configurations with enhanced performance, improved energy efficiency, and reduced CO2 emissions. The electric system is a multi-megawatt micro-grid that converts mechanical energy to electric via generators, and electric energy to mechanical via motor-driven fans. This innovation would use the variation in aircraft throttle settings to produce a high-voltage (20 kilovolts), variable-frequency 9-phase AC distribution system. Using doubly fed electric machines (generator, propulsor, and flywheel) allows for field excitation that can cause variable-frequency or variable speed operation around the commanded throttle setting. The flywheel enables an energy storage system that recovers and reuses energy, while the flywheel slews with the throttle control using the electromagnetic torque produced by the doubly fed electric machine. This design permits both sub-synchronous and super-synchronous operation using limited field excitation power provided through power converters. Finally, the reduced switchgear mass facilitated through the use of a high-frequency AC system, setting-less protection zones, and simplified switches for fault clearance provides enhanced operational capability. This system can be controlled so that fault energy is minimized, preventing collateral damage to aircraft structures even with high voltage distribution. Glenn's innovative system adds performance, efficiency, reliability, and cost savings to cutting-edge hybrid electric technology. This is an early-stage technology requiring additional development, and Glenn welcomes co-development opportunities.