A China-developed highly-efficient space free piston Stirling thermoelectric converter test unit has succeeded in an in-orbit experiment, with comprehensive technical indices reaching world-leading levels.
The test unit was generally developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
The Stirling thermoelectric converter is one of the key technologies for space new energy development. It can turn thermal power into kinetic energy by the closed-cycle regenerative free piston Stirling engine and then turn the kinetic energy into power through a coupling linear alternating current power generator.
As a new technology of the power system of a spacecraft, the Stirling thermoelectric converter has simple structure, high efficiency, light weight, fast starting operation, limited vibration and low noise.
As it is able to turn thermal power into electricity with high efficiency, it reduces reliance on traditional solar power, and is expected to be widely promoted in missions like manned lunar or deep space exploration.
The Stirling thermoelectric converter is installed in the basic experiment cabinet of the Mengtian lab module of China's space station. It has carried out one in-orbit test and three in-orbit experiments so far.
(Executive editor: Xie Yunxiao)
