Coupled Free-Piston Stirling Engine (FPSE), Stirling Cooler, and Absorption Chiller (FROST) for Shelter Air Conditioning

The cost of logistical fuels, including transportation and distribution, is significant. According to the Defense Energy Support Center, nearly $3B was spent on fuel in 2007. The increasing use of electronics is driving a growing need for shelter air conditioning, which in turn is another demand for fuel. Existing Environmental Control Units (ECU) coupled to electrical generators can provide the necessary cooling, but are inefficient. In recent years, the DoD has pursued a wide range of technologies for tactical power generation and environmental control. Feasibility demonstrations of novel power sources, such as fuel-cells, have produced units with one or more key deficiencies such as short operating life, poor reliability, excessive weight, and/or inability to use logistics fuels. An energy efficient solution that conserves fuel is needed while still generating sufficient cooling effect for electronic systems. Infinia, with support from Washington State University, proposes to develop a Free-Piston Stirling Engine (FPSE) coupled to a Stirling Cooler and Absorption Chiller (FROST) powered by a JP-8 burner. At the core of the system is Infinia¡¦s long-life hermetically sealed Stirling engine. This unique combination of technologies will deliver 7.2 refrigeration tons at 46„aF in a 95„aF ambient with a COP of 0.87 to 0.93.