Advanced Tactical 2 KW Stirling Power Sources for Co-Generation Applications

The Army Communications and Electronics Command (CECOM) seeks smaller and lighter equipment to meet the electric power and heating/cooling needs of vehicle mounted shelters. To reduce present system weight, CECOM is exploring the feasibility of an external combustion Stirling engine powered generator to provide mission electrical power and capture combustor and engine reject heat for shelter heating and thermally activated cooling. The goals of solicitation A05-072 are closely aligned with the capabilities of a TIAX Free Piston Stirling Engine power plant. Phase I work has identified the modifications needed to scale up our JP-8 fueled, 600 W free piston Stirling engine power plant to produce 2,000 W for mission electrical loads, 400 W reserve to support an optional thermally activated (absorption) cooling unit, and approximately 500 W to power balance of plant loads (fans, pumps and control power), for a nominal gross power of 2900 W. This proposal presents our approach and work plan for Phase II development of an advanced tactical 2,400 W Stirling power source for co-generation applications. The Phase II program will resolve final design issues, validate the design through sub-system testing, and test a proof-of-concept, JP-8 fueled engine-alternator power unit.