科研人员正在测试一种核能动力引擎的原型,以期为未来的深空探测器提供动力。这种引擎的设计基于19世纪发明的斯特林引擎,基本原理是利用热压缩气体推动活塞运动。新引擎将使用22千克的核铀电池,产生的热能将带动8个斯特林引擎,提供大约500瓦特的电能。目前,美国航空航天局格伦研究中心和洛斯阿拉莫斯国家实验室已经对一个简化模型进行了测试,该原型包括一个核能电池和一个斯特林引擎,能提供大约24瓦特的电能。大多数深空探测器需要600至700瓦特的电力,因而从这个测试 Researchers are testing a prototype of a nuclear power engine to power future deep space probes. The design of this engine is based on a Stirling engine invented in the 19th century, the basic principle is the use of hot compressed gas to promote piston movement. The new engine will use 22 kilograms of nuclear uranium batteries, the resulting heat will drive eight Stirling engines, providing about 500 watts of power. NASA’s Glenn Research Center and Los Alamos National Laboratory have now tested a simplified model that includes a nuclear battery and a Stirling engine capable of delivering approximately 24 watts of power. Most deep space probes require 600 to 700 watts of power and thus from this test