HIGH POWER LINEAR ALTERNATOR TEST RIG (HPLATR)
Fission Surface Power > High Power Linear Alternator Test Rig
High Power Linear Alternator Test Rig. Courtesy NASA.
The High Power Linear Alternator Test Rig will be used to develop Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) techniques applicable to a lunar power system. The PMAD consists of the control algorithms and power electronics required for the conversion of a single phase AC output of the Stirling alternator to a regulated DC voltage for use in lunar applications. The task will include simulated power transmission over a few hundred meters, rectification, filtering and regulation of the AC output, distribution of the power to simulated loads, and control of the Stirling power convertor piston amplitude. Testing will determine the power quality of the DC output voltage, the transient response, the system efficiencies and mass.
NASA Fact
The X-15 aircraft made a total of 199 flights over a period of nearly 10 years from 1959 to 1968. It set unofficial world speed and altitude records of 4,520 mph (Mach 6.7) and 354,200 feet. Information gained from the highly successful program contributed to the development of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo spacecraft and the Space Shuttle program.
- NASA Official: Richard K. Shaltens
- Curator: Peggy A. Cornell
- Last Updated: June 21, 2008