Design analysis methods for Stirling engines
Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Energy Research Centre, University of Cape Town
Abstract
Worldwide attempts are being made to increase the
use of our renewable energy sources as well as to
use our current fossil fuel energy sources more efficiently.
Waste heat recovery forms a substantial part
of the latter and is the focus of this project. Stirling
technology finds application in both the renewable
energy sector and in waste heat recovery.
Investigating the applicability of Stirling engines in
the above-mentioned fields is relevant to develop
more efficient external combustion units as well as
to utilize our renewable energy sources. Developing
a design analysis and synthesis tool capable of optimizing
Stirling powered units forms the main objective
of this project. The methodology followed to
achieve this, involved the application of three different
methods of analysis, namely the method of
Schmidt, the adiabatic analysis and the simple
analysis based on a five volume approach. The
Schmidt analysis is used to obtain the internal
engine pressure which is a required input for the
adiabatic analysis while the simple analysis introduces
pumping losses and regenerator inefficiencies.
These methodologies are discussed briefly in
this paper. Experimental verification of the analytical
data was carried out on a Heinrici Stirling
engine and both the analytical data and the experimental
data are presented here. Shortcomings of
these methods of analysis are highlighted and an
alternative approach to solve particular shortcomings
is presented.
Description
CITATION: Snyman, H., Harms, T. M. & Strauss, J. B. 2008. Design analysis methods for Stirling engines. Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 19(3):4–19, doi:10.17159/2413-3051/2008/v19i3a3329.
The original publication is available at https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/jesa
The original publication is available at https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/jesa
Keywords
Stirling engines, Stirling engines -- Design and construction
Citation
Snyman, H., Harms, T. M. & Strauss, J. B. 2008. Design analysis methods for Stirling engines. Journal of Energy in Southern Africa 19(3):4–19, doi:10.17159/2413-3051/2008/v19i3a3329.