Project Title:

Device to Measure Reversing Flow Pressure Drops in Stirling Engine Heat Exchangers

10.04-2221A
Device to Measure Reversing Flow Pressure Drops in Stirling Engine Heat Exchangers
Sunpower Inc.
6 Byard Street
Athens
OH
45701
Wood
J. Gary
NAS3-24879
Amount:   
LeRC
NAS3-24396

Abstract:

   The effect of oscillating flow on pressure drop and heat transfer isvery important to the design and optimization of Stirling engines.  Even with all
the present work being done on Stirling cycle machines, very little is known about
oscillating flow.  The purpose of this project is to generate the needed basic test
data on oscillating flow pressure drop.

A novel test rig has been designed for measuring pressure drop under oscillating
flow conditions.  The unit is a dedicated piece of hardware and thus allows for the
measurement of pressure drop independent from the other processes and losses that
occur in Stirling cycle machines.

The rig is designed to operate at frequencies from less than 1 hertz up to greater
than 120 hertz, and at test pressures up to 150 bar.  It is thus capable of testing
heat exchangers and regenerators for most existing and proposed engine designs including
those of the NASA SP-100 program.

Fabrication of the hardware will be completed and the operation of the unit tested.
 The rig will then be used to generate basic test data on oscillating flow pressure
drop.