K. J.

Somaiya College of Engineering, Mumbai-77

(Autonomous College Affiliated to University of Mumbai)

HMT IA2– Mech. Engg. (2019 - 20)

Topic : Solar Powered Stirling engine.
Bhavin Ravariya(1625004) / Nishit Patel(1515135)
Guide : Prof. Abhishek Pratap Singh Bhadauria Group No. : 44

Abstract piston.
This project aims at using solar energy to power stirling
Gamma- Both displacer and piston contained in the Methodology/Research work
same cylinder.
engine and analyze the performance of stirling engine Various Important aspects of Stirling Engine:
with change in various parameters affecting it’s power Working Fluid:NOIUHOUI
output. All types of stirling engines are studies and a
model is made based on feasibility and requirements.
Further Study is done to verify the use of stirling engine
as a method to trap solar energy to avoid various losses
encountered in conventional ways of doing so. And to
find a heat differential ratio required for working of
stirling engine.

Introductions
A Stirling engine is a heat engine operating by cyclic
compression and expansion of air at different
temperature levels such that there is a net conversion of
heat energy to mechanical work. It is a type of External
combustion engine. It works on principle of differential
expansion. This engine can be powered by any heat
source and hence is looked upon as a renewable engine.
It operates with theoretical efficiency close to Carnot
efficiency.

Charge Pressure:

Literature Review
The most common configurations include the Alpha,
Beta and Gamma(All having strengths and weaknesses).
These vary in the arrangement of the different parts
including the displacer, piston and flywheel. Addition of
a regenerator in the configuration improves the overall Engine vs. Regenerator Requirement:
performance and increases the output power of the • For maximum heat capacity - a large, solid matrix is
system. required.
Alpha- Consists of two cylinders; one heated • For minimum flow losses - a small, highly porous matrix is
continuously and other cooled. required.
Beta- Consists of one displacer which alternately moves • For minimum dead space - a small, dense matrix is
the air from cool side to hot side and a separate power required.
• For maximum heat transfer - a large, finely divided
matrix is required. Expected
• For minimum contamination - a matrix with no
obstruction is required. Results/Outcomes
• Desirable Properties:
o Maximum heat transfer area. • Model of stirling engine Beta type working on solar
o High heat capacity. radiations.
o Minimum pressure drop loss. •Data on various regenerators and their effect on
o Minimum void space. performance of the stirling engine.
•Variation in power output of the engine during the
course of entire day i.e. with various intensities of
solar radiation.
•Performance of the engine with various
combinations of working fluids, charge pressures
and regenerator.
•Ratio of heat differential required for starting and
sustained running of the engine.

Conclusions
•Beta and Gamma Configurations are better in
performance, because they have less dead
volume.
•Regenerator can improve the performance of the
engine provided it is a correct compromise between
regenerator size and dead volume it introduces.
•Regenerator also reduces the internal aerodynamic
drag thus reducing heat transfer.
•Alpha type configuration poses problem for proper
solar concentration and is inefficient due to higher
dead volume.

References
[1] S. W. Kang, M. Y. Kuo, J. Y. Chen, W. A. Lu.
Fabrication and test of gamma-type Stirling engine.
2010 Proceedings of the International Conference on
Energy and Sustainable Development: Issues and
Strategies (ESD). 2010: 1-9.
[2] N. Nasrollah. Stirling Engine Cycle Efficiency.
Bachelor’s Thesis, HAMK University of Applied
Sciences; 2012.