Stirling Engine Mechanism Analysis as a Function of Internal Pressure Variation

Abstract

The Stirling heat engine was conceived in the in the early 1800's as an alternative to the steam engine. It is a regenerative close-cycle engine which utilizes the expansion and contraction of a working fluid at different temperatures, in such a way that there is net conversion of thermal energy to mechanical work. Noted for its high efficiency, robustness, and heat source versatility, but also for its low specific output, poor standardization, and a lack of understanding of its operation by the general public, a more exhaustive study of its performance and optimization is of great interest to the power generation and waste heat recovery industry [1]. The purpose of this project is to develop a design tool to calculate the engine parameters necessary to perform a kinematic assessment of the engine components, using the Schmidt analysis theory. Key Terms — Design, Stirling Engine, Schmidt Analysis, Tool.