Experimental and Dynamic Analysis of a Small-Scale Double-Acting Four-Cylinder α-Type Stirling Engine

Abstract

This research studies the double-acting four-cylinder α-type Stirling engine. A numerical model is developed by combining the thermodynamic model and dynamic model to study the engine performance. The pressure values of the working zone calculated using the thermodynamic model are taken into the dynamic model to calculate the forces acting on the mechanism. Then, the dynamic model further calculates the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the mechanism link to provide the pistons’ displacements for the thermodynamic model. The model is also validated using experimental data obtained from testing an engine prototype. Under a heating temperature of 1000 K, cooling temperature of 315 K, charged pressure of 10 bar, and loading torque of 0.33 Nm, the engine is capable of achieving a shaft power of 26.0 W at 754 rpm. In addition, the thermal properties and the transient behavior of the engine can be further simulated using the validated numerical model.

A Comprehensive Review on Stirling Engines

“…Figure 11. The double-acting Stirling engine [28] In double-acting engines, only the piston rods are associated with the external environment, reducing working fluid leaks. In these engines, the total net work is shared thermodynamically between the four cylinders with a 90⁰ phase difference.…”

Combining Measurements and Simulation for Condition Monitoring and Performance Optimization of an Alpha‐Configuration Double‐Acting Hightemperature Stirling Cycle‐Based Heat Pump

“…Findings to increase engine performance include "a) decreasing thermal conductivity of the regenerator matrix, b) increasing the regenerator heat capacity, c) optimizing the regenerator volume, d) optimizing the working frequency, and e) optimizing the working gas mass". Cheng et al [4] developed thermodynamic and dynamic models to optimize engine performance. Parameters studied include maximum shaft power, engine speed, loading torque, regenerator porosity, and charge pressure.…”

“…The scarce previous research that can be found in the open literature has focused on thermodynamic modeling of the Stirling cycle, pressure imbalances between working fluid volumes, working fluid leakages, and/or temperature in the regenerator [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. In this paper, the regenerator heat release and absorption are modeled according to an identified maximum and minimum temperature difference that will be explained in detail.…”