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Space Applications of Nitinol Heat Engines
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English
Abstract
The Nitinol Heat Engine (NHE) uses a shape-memory alloy of nickel and titanium to convert thermal energy directly to mechanical power and through a generator, to electricity. An NHE was analyzed and designed to produce power from solar irradiation in space, with radiative cooling to a deep-space heat sink. A model NHE was built and tested in a space chamber simulating the radiation and space environment, and produced results agreeing with performance predictions. Other space NHE using Space Station waste heat are also discussed. Such space NHE are demonstrated to be cost-competitive with photovoltaic cells as a source for space power.
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Authors
Citation
Hayashida, K., Cady, E., McNichols, J., and Galik, B., "Space Applications of Nitinol Heat Engines," SAE Technical Paper 851322, 1985, https://doi.org/10.4271/851322.Also In
References
- Ginell, W.S. McNichols, J. L. Cory, J. S. “Low Grade Thermal Energy-Conversion Joule Effect Heat Engines,” ASME Paper 78-ENAS-7 March 1978
- Cady, E. C. McNichols, J. L. “Nitinol Heat Engine Power Plant System Installation and Cost Optimization,” 19th IECEC Proceedings 1338 1343 August 1984
- Cory, J. S. “Nitinol Thermodynamic State Surfaces,” Journal of Energy 2 Sept-Oct 1978 257 258
- Cady, E. C. Personal Communication from W. G. Nelson McDonnell Douglas Company October 1984
- Cady, E. C. McNichols, J. L. Cory, J. S. “Nitinol Heat Engine Thermodynamic Cycle Analysis.” presented to 20th IECEC August 1985