Stirling engines for low temperature solar thermal electric power generation.

Abstract

The subject of this master thesis is the design and development of a Stirling engine for low temperature solar thermal electric power generation. The purpose of the system is to incorporate low-cost materials and simple manufacturing processes while simultaneously increasing system performance. Studies, as well as existing Stirling systems applications, including several solar concentrators and Stirling engines/generators, presently and successfully demonstrate the technical feasibility of producing solar energy for extended periods of time. It is worth noting that because the solar-thermal technology is mature, the focus of this dissertation is the analysis, design and experimental assessment of low-temperature Stirling engine. Reference is made to various solar thermal systems and to the different applications they find use. Consequently, different thermodynamic cycles are explained and analyzed in relation to the different thermodynamic systems in which they occur. In conclusion, Stirling engine is analysed. The engine is designed so that the working fluid is compressed in the colder part of the engine and expanded in the warmest part resulting in a clean conversion of heat to work. The key components of a Stirling engine are a heat source, a hot side heat exchanger, a regenerator, a cold side heat exchanger, a heat sink and a displacer. Stirling engines are categorized into three main types: a) the alpha, b) the beta, and c) the gamma configuration.