Solar Powered Thermoacoustic Stirling Heat Engine Pulse Tube Cryocooler

A highly efficient and reliable Solar Powered Thermoacoustic Stirling Heat Engine (TASHE) driven Pulse Tube Cryocooler for the active cooling and long-term on-orbit storage of liquid hydrogen propellant was proven feasible in the Phase I research. The technical objective of the proposed Phase II research is to verify the feasibility of developing a full-scale system through a combination of analyses, tests, and demonstrations that focus on the primary components responsible for energy conversion and heat transfer. The research will culminate in a demonstration designed to quantify the performance of an integrated TASHE-pulse tube cryocooler and liquid hydrogen storage system. The integrated system demonstration will be conducted in a controlled thermal environment using the Sierra Lobo liquid hydrogen multilayer insulation test rig. In addition, long duration testing of the TASHE-pulse tube cryocooler will be conducted to verify the inherent reliability associated with a system that has no moving parts. Proving the feasibility of this technology will lead to the development of a variety of No-Vent Liquid Hydrogen Storage SystemsT for both flight and ground applications within the Department of Defense. The research effectively leverages current Air Force and Missile Defense Agency investments in Sierra Lobo cryogenic storage and insulation system technologies.