EEA-24-0017 Proof Hi

Energy Exploration & Exploitation
Design of an Alpha Solar Stirling Engine for Energy

Production
Journal: Energy Exploration & Exploitation
Manuscript ID EEA-24-0017
Manuscript Type: Research Article

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Date Submitted by the
13-Jan-2024
Author:
Complete List of Authors: Mehmood, Yasir; University of Engineering & Technology, Mechanical
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Aziz, Asnaf; University of Engineering & Technology, Mechanical

Hussain, Abid; University of Engineering & Technology, Mechanical
Rehman, Fasih Ur; University of Engineering & Technology
Abubakkar, Muhammad; University of Engineering & Technology
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Rasool, Imad ; University of Engineering & Technology
Heat Engine, Solar Energy, Stirling Cycle, Stirling Engine, Heat

Keywords:
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Exchanger
This scientific study delves into the application of solar energy for the
generation of clean and sustainable power through the utilization of the
Solar Stirling Engine, employing the highly efficient Stirling cycle,
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renowned for its adaptability to diverse heat sources. The research is

centred around the implementation of cost-effective and robust materials
and components in the engine's design. The investigation encompasses
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an in-depth analysis of the Solar Stirling engine's configuration and the

utilization of a Solar Concentrator as a heat source. Furthermore, the
research includes a meticulous optimization process focusing on cylinder
Abstract:
size, displacement configurations, and heat exchanger design, all aimed
at achieving optimal solar irradiation performance. Computational
modelling serves as a pivotal tool for the analysis and prediction of
engineering outcomes throughout this study. The paper culminates with
the presentation of a prototype of a solar-powered Stirling engine,
exemplifying a significant advancement in renewable energy technology.
As future work, ongoing research endeavours hold the potential to
further enhance solar-powered Stirling engines, thus promoting their
efficacy in the realm of clean energy production.
https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/eeae
Page 1 of 20 Energy Exploration & Exploitation
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Design of an Alpha Solar Stirling Engine for Power Production
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6 Abstract: This scientific study delves into the application of solar energy for the generation of clean
7 and sustainable power through the utilization of the Solar Stirling Engine, employing the highly
8 efficient Stirling cycle, renowned for its adaptability to diverse heat sources. The research is centred
9
10 around the implementation of cost-effective and robust materials and components in the engine's
11 design. The investigation encompasses an in-depth analysis of the Solar Stirling engine's configuration
12 and the utilization of a Solar Concentrator as a heat source. Furthermore, the research includes a
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meticulous optimization process focusing on cylinder size, displacement configurations, and heat
14
15 exchanger design, all aimed at achieving optimal solar irradiation performance. Computational
16 modelling serves as a pivotal tool for the analysis and prediction of engineering outcomes throughout
17 this study. The paper culminates with the presentation of a prototype of a solar-powered Stirling
18
19 engine, exemplifying a significant advancement in renewable energy technology. As future work,
20 ongoing research endeavours hold the potential to further enhance solar-powered Stirling engines,
21 thus promoting their efficacy in the realm of clean energy production.
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23 Keywords: Solar energy, clean energy, Stirling engine, Stirling cycle, Solar concentrator, Alpha
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configuration, Heat exchanger design, Computational modelling.
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27 1. Introduction
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Robert Stirling created the Stirling engine, an external combustion engine, in 1816. The Stirling engine
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30 undergoes the four fundamental stages of compression, heating, expansion, and cooling, just like any
31 other heat engine. Any heat source, including solar, geothermal, nuclear, and waste heat from
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32 industrial processes, can be used to power a Stirling engine directly. Air is initially compressed in this
33 engine utilising work that has been accumulated from a previous cycle in the mechanical flywheel.
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Different temperatures are applied to the working fluid to transform the whole amount of heat energy
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36 into mechanical work. Thermal equilibrium is present for the working fluid. The ability of this engine
37 to run with any heat source is by far its greatest benefit. These engines are appropriate for solar energy
38 that is concentrated and unrenewable [1].
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40 The increasing energy demand has had a significant impact on the environment, with the use of non-
41 renewable energy sources causing severe environmental degradation [2]. The world's overreliance on
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these sources has resulted in an energy crisis, necessitating the search for alternative renewable
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44 energy sources. Hydroelectricity and wind power are two examples of renewable energy sources that
45 have demonstrated potential, but they are constrained by their location and expensive costs. This has
46 led researchers and scientists to explore other sources of energy, and solar energy has emerged as
47 one of the most promising options. Solar energy has many advantages, with one of the most significant
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being its ability to be generated in remote and desert environments. As the solar Stirling engines have
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50 more efficient solar-to-electric power conversion, they are advantageous over photovoltaic cells [3].
51 Moreover, the efficiency of photovoltaic solar panels declines rapidly with extreme temperatures,
52 making it challenging to generate electricity in these areas [4]. However, solar-powered engines and
53 power plants can be utilized in these regions to generate electricity. The use of solar Stirling engines
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in particular has shown great promise. These engines use heat to generate power and are highly
56 efficient, making them an excellent option for remote and arid environments [5]. The benefits of using
57 solar energy extend beyond generating electricity. It is also a clean and renewable energy source that
58 does not produce harmful emissions. The use of solar energy can help reduce greenhouse gas
59 emissions and slow down climate change.
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Energy Exploration & Exploitation Page 2 of 20
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3 Stirling Cycle consists of cyclic isothermal expansion and compression with an isochoric regeneration
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process as shown in figure 1. In the figure from processes 1-2, we have an isothermal or constant
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6 temperature compression and then from 2-3, we have a constant volume increase in pressure. Then
7 from 3-4, we have isothermal volume change or constant temperature expansion. Then from 4-1, we
8 again have a constant volume process. From 1-4 to 2-3 we have an isochoric regeneration process
9 where a part of the heat from the earlier process is retained at the regenerator and is then added to
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the next process from the cold region making it more efficient [6].
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Stirling engines are simplistic and highly efficient in their design with theoretical efficiency almost
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14 equal to the Carnot efficiency [7]. Solar Stirling engines are also advantageous over solar photovoltaic
15 arrays as their solar-to-electric power conversion is more efficient [1]. Cinar, C. and H. Karabulut
16 manufactured and studied a gamma-type Stirling engine [8]. With experimental results, they
17 concluded that the use of Helium gas as a working fluid resulted in more power than air and hydrogen
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[8]. A study shows that the power of a Stirling engine relies on the temperature difference of the
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20 displacer cylinder not on the fuel that provides this difference [9]. Regenerator materials with various
21 porosities suggest that the stainless-steel regenerator with 85% porosity gave optimum results [10].
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22 A. Nielsen et al did a study which showed that using multistage regenerator increases the efficiency
23 of the regenerator in comparison to single stage regenerator [11]. A recent study was performed
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regarding the construction and testing of a dish-type solar Stirling engine and the losses in the solar-
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26 to-electric conversion. This study found that the dish reflector should not concentrate the sun’s rays
27 onto a point of the Stirling engine, but rather a zone [12]. Heng Zheng et al did a study on a solar-aided
28 power generation system which used an annular Fresnel solar concentrator [13]. The Stirling engine
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29 is considered to be the most effective form of solar-to-electric power generation [14]. Abuelyamen et
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al did a detailed CFD analysis to compare the energy efficiency of various Stirling engine types (α,β
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32 and γ) [15]. In comparison with other power generation systems, the Stirling engine is regarded as the
33 most efficient way to convert solar energy [16]. In the dynamic analysis of a GPU-3 model, researchers
34 discovered that geometrical and physical parameters significantly impact its performance. Through
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optimization techniques, they successfully reduced mechanical losses and achieved more realistic
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theoretical outcomes [17]. The use of solar power Stirling engine in marine and offshore environments
38 also bears great potential, a study shows the solar power Stirling engine system achieved a maximum
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39 of 90% mechanical efficiency [18].

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41 We developed a 90-degree V-type alpha Stirling engine. The utilization of the 90 V-type design is
42 chosen due to its ability to significantly minimize engine vibrations, as a result of the cancellation of a
43 majority of the forces involved. The design is intentionally created to be both compact and durable.
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To reduce the expenses associated with custom manufacturing parts, a strategy was implemented
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46 whereby 70 cc pistons and readily accessible components from the market were employed. We chose
47 an innovative method for the design, which has the potential for further enhancements in terms of
48 efficiency and application. In our study, we employed a Fresnel lens concentrator as a source of
49 inspiration, drawing from the research conducted by Heng Zheng et al.
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18 Fig. 1 Stirling Engine Process Diagram
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20 2. Design of Stirling Engine
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22 A receiver absorbs concentrated solar energy and transfers it to a working fluid to heat it. A Fresnel
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lens concentrator system focuses sunlight on a focal point that contains the working fluid and serves
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as the receiver. The cycle starts with the high-temperature cylinder at its highest position. As the gas
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26 heats up, it expands, pushing the piston downward. This is the power piston. The sealed chamber in
27 which the heated working fluid is housed expands as the heat energy is absorbed. This expansion
28 transforms the heat energy into mechanical work by propelling the piston. After developing, the
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working fluid is sent to a heat exchanger or cooling mechanism, where it releases heat to the
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31 surroundings, through air. The working fluid's temperature is reduced over this cooling process. After
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32 cooling the low-temperature piston displaces the gas back into the regenerator. The regenerator now
33 releases heat stored earlier into the working gas. And the gas goes back to the hot cylinder and the
34 cycle repeats.
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36 2.1. Assembly Model of Stirling Engine

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38 The Stirling engine model was designed with the help of design parameter calculations with the help
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39 of design software such as SOLIDWORKS, and computations were done with the help of ANSYS. The
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selection of engine type and configuration was based on the study objectives and market limitations.
42 After careful iterative measures, an alpha-type Stirling with a 90-degree V configuration was selected.
43 Design considerations included selecting the material and geometry to optimize solar radiation
44 collection and incorporating heat transfer enhancements. Factors such as thermal conductivity,
45 specific heat capacity, and stability at high temperatures were taken into account. Paetro analysis was
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47 performed using software to take out the optimum design parameters. The selection is based on
48 efficiency, cost, safety, and environmental impact. Optimizing surface area, fluid flow pathways, and
49 heat transfer coefficients are also considered.
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51 Designing components such as pistons, cylinders, cranks, etc. involved taking material choice, stress
52 analysis, and friction reduction into account. A feedforward control system was utilized to preserve
53 optimal SSE functioning and maximize efficiency. Computer simulations and analytic tools were
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utilized throughout the design phase to assess system performance, forecast energy production, and
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56 optimize design parameters.
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Fig. 2 Solar Stirling Engine
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24 Table 1 Stirling Engine Cycle
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26 Stirling Engine Dimensions& Specifications
27 Height 243 mm
28 Length 237 mm
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29 Width 184 mm
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Mass 11 kg
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Displacer Piston 47 mm
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33 Power Piston 47 mm
34 Stroke 56 mm
35 Working Gas He / Air
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38 2.2. Stirling Engine Calculation
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40 The Stirling engine comprises three essential components: the hot chamber, the cold chamber, and
41 the regenerator. The hot chamber interfaces with a heat source, while the cold chamber interacts with
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a heat sink. Gas seamlessly flows between these chambers via the regenerator. The power piston
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44 generates mechanical work, while the displacer piston orchestrates the movement of gas between
45 chambers, instigating oscillations in temperature and pressure that propel the power piston. The
46 engine's parameterization employed MATLAB's iterative hit-and-trial method, selecting 70-cc pistons
47 with a 47-mm bore diameter and refining the volumes of the displacer and power pistons through
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successive MATLAB trials.
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50 Table 2 Nomenclature
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52 Symbol Quantity Units
53 Pengine Operating Pressure in Engine bar
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Vexp Total Expansion volume in the pistons mm3
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56 Vcomp Total Compression Volume in the piston mm3
57 Vse Expansion Swept Volume mm3
58 Vde Expansion Dead Volume mm3
59 Vsc Compression Piston Swept Volume mm3
60 Vdc Compression piston Dead Volume mm3
1
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3 P Preload Pressure bar
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Wexp Work done by expansion pistons J
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Wcomp Work done by compression Pistons J
7 l Length of the connecting rod mm
8 r Crank radius mm
9 α Slider crank acceleration m/s2
10 v Slider crank velocity m/s
11 x Slider crank displacement m
12 ω Angular velocity of the engine, at 1000 rpm Rad/s
13 θ Crank angle deg
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mb Combined mass of slider crank g
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16 T Torque produced in the engine Nm
17 σtmax Maximum stress in the flywheel MPa
18 ղy Flywheel efficiency No unit
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25 Table 3 Stirling Engine Calculations

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27 Symbol Quantity Value Unit
28 V1 Hot Swept Volume of Displacer 1.9431×105 mm3
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29 Vp Cold Swept Volume of Power-Piston 1.9431×105 mm3

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Vh Hot Dead Volume of Displacer Piston 91000 mm3
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Vc Cold Dead Volume of Power Piston 50000 mm3
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33 Vr Regenerator Dead Volume 182500 mm3
34 R Specific gas Constant 287.1 J/Kg K
35 P Preload Pressure in System 7 bar
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36 T Highest Temperature of System 673 K

37 Tc Compression Space Gas Temperature 303 K
38 Tr Regenerator Temperature 463.6519 K
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39 M Mass of Gas in System when the Slider- 21.7568 10-1 g

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Crank is at an angle of 0
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42 S S 3.5529
43 B Beale Number 1.0967
44 C C 0.3087
45 Pm Mean Pressure 5.7645 Bar
46 a1 a1 65.7616 degree
47 We Work done by expansion piston 50.7627 J
48 Wc Work done by Compression piston 22.8545 J
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Wi Total Work 27.9082 J
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According to Schmidt analysis [19] the work done by the engine is calculated as
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𝑃. 1 ― 𝑐2
55 𝑃𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑒 = ― ― ― ―(1)
56 1 ― 𝑐.cos (Ɵ ― 𝛼)
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58 Here Pengine gives the total Pressure in the engine with the crank angle θ, having initial engine pressure
59 that was provided to the gas before the engine is started.
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1
2
3 𝑉𝑠𝑒
4 𝑉𝑒𝑥𝑝 = (1 ― cos Ɵ) + 𝑉𝑑𝑒 ― ― ― ―(2)
5 2
6 𝑉𝑠𝑐
7 𝑉𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 = (1 ― cos Ɵ ― 𝑑𝑥) + 𝑉𝑑𝑐 ― ― ― ―(3)
8 2
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From the Schmidt analysis, the work done by the engine is given by,
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11 𝑃.𝑉𝑠𝑒.𝜋.𝑐.sin 𝑎
12 𝑊𝑒𝑥𝑝 = ― ― ― ―(4)
13 1 + 1 ― 𝑐2
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15 𝑊𝑒𝑥𝑝 = 61.642 𝐽
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Figure 2.3 shows the Stirling Engine’s characteristics. On the left side, we can see the pressure vs
20 volume graph. The area under the graph gives us the total work done by the engine. and other
21 parameters are already defined above. As there is simultaneous work done by compression and
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22 expansion, due to being opposite in direction the work done in the compression cylinder would be
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taken as negative. Figure B shows the graph of expansion volume and compression volume vs the
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crank angle. Notice that both volumes are out of phase by about 90° as both the pistons are located
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26 at 90° with each other.
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29 1.0 Expamsion Volume Vexp

30 Engine Pressure Compression Volume Vcomp
31 0.3
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Engine Pressure (MPa)
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Vexp , Vcomp (litres l)
0.8
34 0.2
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37 0.6
0.1
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41 0.4 0.0
0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0 200 400 600 800
42 Total Volume (l) Crank Angle ()
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46 Figure 2.3 Characteristic PV (Left) and V-vs-θ graphs for α-Stirling Engine
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48 𝑉𝑠𝑒.𝜋.𝑐.0.45.sin 𝑎
49 𝑊𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 = ― ― ― ―(5)
1 + 1 ― 𝑐2
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51 𝑊𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 = ―27.739 𝐽
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55 𝑊𝑇 = 𝑊𝑒𝑥𝑝 + 𝑊𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 ― ― ― ―(6)
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57 𝑊𝑇 = 33.903 𝐽
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5 2.3. Slider Crank Calculations
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7 The equations for slider crank kinematics are given in terms of crank radius, length and crank angle.
8 Successive derivatives give the equations for velocity and acceleration
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10 𝑟2
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𝑥=𝑙―
4𝑙 ( 𝑟
)
+ 𝑟 cos Ɵ + cos 2Ɵ ― ― ― ―(7)
4𝑙
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( 2𝑙𝑟 sin 2Ɵ) ― ― ― ―(8)
𝑣 = ―𝑟𝑤 sin Ɵ +
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𝑥 = ―𝑟𝑤 (cos Ɵ + cos 2Ɵ) ― ― ― ―(9)
17 2
𝑟
18 𝑙
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43 Fig. 4 Slider Crank Kinematic Diagram
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45 Figure 2.4 shows the slider crank kinematics. The acceleration, velocity and displacement are graphed
46 to crank angle. From these kinematics calculations, balancing and vibrations are performed for the
47 engine.
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49 The equation for torque on the slider crank is as
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51 𝑚𝑎 𝑟 3𝑟
52 𝑇= .𝑟2.𝑤2( sin Ɵ ― sin 2Ɵ ― sin 3Ɵ) ― ― ― ―(10)
2 2𝑙 2𝑙
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54 The torque is dependent on the crank radius, length of the connecting rod, equivalent mass on the
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slider-crank and the angular velocity of the crank. Solving it for 360° rotation of a crankshaft
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16 Fig. 5 Torque and Force Vs Crank angle graph for Slider Crank
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18 Figure 2.5 shows the forces acting on the slider crank. Notice that the forces are out of phase with
19 each other hence cancelling most of the vibrations which is a characteristic of a 90° aligned engine.
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21 From the graph, we can notice that the torque follows a sinusoidal waveform with alternate crests
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22 and troughs after 120°. At the start, the torque is zero as the engine starts and then it gets to a uniform
23 speed at a given 1000 rpm for which the calculations were done.
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2.4. Flywheel
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27 For a smooth power transfer, a flywheel is an integral part of an engine. The maximum stresses on the
28 flywheel were calculated and a flywheel of
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𝜎𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
𝑔
𝑤 ( )( ( ) )
2𝑟 2 3 + 𝑣 2
8
𝑟0 +
1―𝑣 2
𝑟 ― ― ― ―(11)
3+𝑣 𝑖
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33 ANSYS Simulations and computation for Material Factor of Safety and thermal and fluent analysis of
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the Regenerator are shown in Fig. 6
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Fig. 6 ANSYS Simulation for Regenerator Structural Integrity
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51 In Figure 2.6 we have performed ANSYS simulation on the regenerator. The parameters of the
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simulation are given in the table. We have two fixed supports and a pressure of 1 MPa applied along
54 the are shaded in red. Looking at the results of the simulation we can notice that the given design has
55 a low factor of safety. Then we added the ribs to the design and we can see the improvement in
56 stresses and safety in the design.
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60 Table 4 Regenerator without Structural Integrity and Criteria for Simulation
1
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3 Quantity Value
4
Max pressure 1 MPa
5
6 Factor of Safety 2
7 Mesh Type Refinement Mesh + Fine Mesh
8 Materials Mild Steel
9 Density 7.85*10-6 kg/ mm-3
10 Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 1.2 *10-5 C-1
11 Specific Heat 4.34*105 mJ kg-1 C-1
12 Thermal Conductivity 6.05*10-2 W mm-1 C-1
13
Resistivity 1.7e-004-ohm mm 1.7*10-4 ohm mm
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31 Figure 7 ANSYS Simulation for structural stability for Regenerator with ribs
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33 In this simulation, we have made a design change while keeping other parameters constant. We can
34 notice in Figure 2.7 that the Strain energy is absorbed by the Rib. Thus, it prevents significant
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deformation. The use of ribs helps us to achieve structural integrity by absorbing a definite amount of
36 strain energy. Increasing the thickness of the wall wasn’t that effective because the strain energy was
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38 absorbed by the wall and still had a deformation. Similarly, we can also notice the increase in the
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39 factor of safety, making the design more suitable to be used under given conditions.
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55 Figure 8 ANSYS Simulation Data for Connecting Rod Structural Integrity
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59 Table 5 ANSYS Simulation Data for Connecting Rod Structural Integrity
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1
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3 Quantity Value
4
Length 100 mm
5
6 Max Force 750 N
8 Mesh Type Fine Mesh
9 Materials Forged Steel
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12 In figure2.8 we have a connecting rod which is connected to the crankshaft and piston of the cylinder.
13 We have performed static structural analysis for the factor of safety on it. The initial parameters
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include the applied force of 1750 N on face B in the figure. This force is the gas force applied on the
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16 rod by the piston. The simulation is performed with fine Mesh type and we have selected the material
17 for the connecting rod as forged steel. In the consequent figures as the results of the simulations show
18 the connecting rod will withstand the applied force with an overall 15 factor of safety on the body
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20 (coloured blue) and a minimum of ղ= 5 factor of safety on the inside wall of the pin which is in green
21 colour in the picture. The simulation concludes that our part will be safe during engine operation.
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23 3. Results and Discussions
24 3.1. Experimental Calculations
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26 Table 6 Temperature of Cylinders (Experimentally obtained)
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28 S. No. Max Temperature (°C) (Displacer Average Temperature(°C) (Power Cylinders
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29 Cylinders i.e., Hot Cylinders) i.e. Cold Cylinders)

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1 420 27.3
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2 383 28.1
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33 3 449 31.0
34 4 395 27.3
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37 The Solar Stirling Engine produced a power output of 77.569 wats and 523 rpm.
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39 The capacity of the system to transform solar energy into useful mechanical or electrical power is
40 measured by thermal efficiency study. From NASA’s Stirling engine design manual [20]:
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42
43
44
ղ𝑒𝑓𝑓 (
= 1―
𝑇𝐶
𝑇𝐻 )
⨉𝐶⨉ղ𝐻⨉ղ𝑀⨉𝑓𝑎 ― ― ― ―(12)
45 Where,
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47
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ղ𝑒𝑓𝑓 = overall thermal or effective efficiency
49 𝑇𝐶, 𝑇𝐻 = compression-expansion gas temperatures, K
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51 C= Carnot efficiency ratio of indicated efficiency to Carnot efficiency. Calculated to be 0.68
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53 ղ𝐻 = heater efficiency, ratio between the energy flow to the heater and fuel energy flow. Calculated to
54 be 0.86.
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56 ղ𝑀= mechanical efficiency, ratio of indicated to brake power. Calculated to be 0.85
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58 𝑓𝑎 = auxiliary ratio. At maximum efficiency point 𝑓𝑎=0.95
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60 Now Substituting Values,
1
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4 ղ𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 0.347575
5 Table 7 Stirling Engine Efficiency
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7 S. No. ղeff
8
9 1 0.34911
10 2 0.34599
11 3 0.34761
12
13 4 0.34758
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16 Hence the calculated efficiency reaches 34.757%.
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18 4. Conclusion
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20 SSEs offer a promising avenue for converting solar energy into mechanical or electrical power, with
21 notable progress achieved in optimizing efficiency, dependability, and performance throughout the
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22 design, manufacturing, and testing phases. Future research directions encompass enhancing thermal
23 efficiency through design refinements and advanced heat transfer techniques, exploring innovative
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materials and manufacturing processes, integrating SSE systems with other renewables, scaling up for
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26 commercial viability, minimizing environmental impact, refining system control and monitoring, and
27 assessing real-world performance for validation and further optimization. Through continued
28 research, innovation, and collaboration, SSEs hold significant potential to contribute to a sustainable
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energy future
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31 Author contributions (CRediT)
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33 Yasir Mehmood: conceptualization, validation, investigation, writing original draft,
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35 visualization; Asnaf Aziz: supervision, review & editing; Abid Hussain: Co-supervision, Data
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36 analysis; Fasih Ur Rahman: manuscript preparation, project administration; Muhammad

37 Abubakkar: manuscript preparation, discussion, review & editing; Imad Rasool: manuscript
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39 preparation, discussion, review & editing

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41 Acknowledgment
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43 The authors greatly appreciate the support of the University of Engineering and Technology
44 Peshawar, Pakistan
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46 Conflicts of interest
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48 There are no conflicts of interest to declare.
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50 Data availability statement
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52 The data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available if required.
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54 Supplementary information
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56 Not Applicable
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58 Ethical Approval
59
60 Not Applicable
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5 References
6
7 [1] A. Asnaghi, S. M. Ladjevardi, P. Saleh Izadkhast, and A. H. Kashani, “Thermodynamics
8 performance analysis of solar stirling engines,” Int. Sch. Res. Not., vol. 2012, 2012.
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10 [2] C. Butler, K. A. Parkhill, and P. Luzecka, “Rethinking energy demand governance: Exploring
11 impact beyond ‘energy’policy,” Energy Res. Soc. Sci., vol. 36, pp. 70–78, 2018.
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13 [3] T. Padiou, “Could Solar Powered Stirling Engines Be Viable Alternative to Solar Panels to
14 Power Homes?,” Available SSRN 4489917, 2023.
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16 [4] S. Dubey, J. N. Sarvaiya, and B. Seshadri, “Temperature dependent photovoltaic (PV)
17 efficiency and its effect on PV production in the world–a review,” Energy procedia, vol. 33,
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20 [5] L. Smith, B. Nuel, S. P. Weaver, S. BERKOWER, S. C. WEAVER, and B. GROSS, “25 kW low-
21 temperature stirling engine for heat recovery, solar, and biomass applications,” in 17th
Fo
22 International Stirling Engine Conference (ISEC), 2016.

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24 [6] D. G. Thombare and S. K. Verma, “Technological development in the Stirling cycle engines,”
rP
25 Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 1–38, 2008.
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27 [7] B. Kongtragool and S. Wongwises, “A review of solar-powered Stirling engines and low
28 temperature differential Stirling engines,” Renew. Sustain. energy Rev., vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 131–
ee
29 154, 2003.
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31 [8] C. Cinar and H. Karabulut, “Manufacturing and testing of a gamma type Stirling engine,”
rR
32 Renew. energy, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 57–66, 2005.

33
34 [9] R. Darlington and K. Strong, Stirling and hot air engines: designing and building experimental
35 model Stirling engines. Crowood Press, 2005.
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37 [10] R. Gheith, F. Aloui, and S. Ben Nasrallah, “Determination of adequate regenerator for a
38 Gamma-type Stirling engine,” Appl. Energy, vol. 139, pp. 272–280, 2015.
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40 [11] A. S. Nielsen, B. T. York, and B. D. MacDonald, “Stirling engine regenerators: How to attain
41 over 95% regenerator effectiveness with sub-regenerators and thermal mass ratios,” Appl.
42 Energy, vol. 253, p. 113557, 2019.
43
44 [12] H. Karabulut, H. S. Yucesu, C. Cinar, and F. Aksoy, “Construction and testing of a dish/Stirling
45 solar energy unit,” J. Energy Inst., vol. 82, no. 4, pp. 228–232, 2009.
46
47 [13] H. Zhang, N. Wang, K. Liang, Y. Liu, and H. Chen, “Research on the performance of solar aided
48 power generation system based on annular Fresnel solar concentrator,” Energies, vol. 14, no.
49 6, p. 1579, 2021.
50
51 [14] F. L. Lewis, Mechanical engineering handbook. 1999.
52
[15] A. Abuelyamen and R. Ben-Mansour, “Energy efficiency comparison of Stirling engine types
53
(α, β, and γ) using detailed CFD modeling,” Int. J. Therm. Sci., vol. 132, pp. 411–423, 2018.
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55 [16] T. R. Mancini, “Solar-electric dish Stirling system development,” Sandia National Lab.(SNL-
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NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States), 1997.
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58 [17] I. Tlili, “Thermodynamic study on optimal solar stirling engine cycle taking into account the
59 irreversibilities effects,” Energy Procedia, vol. 14, pp. 584–591, 2012.
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1
2
3 [18] A. Yerbury, A. Coote, V. Garaniya, and H. Yu, “Design of a solar Stirling engine for marine and
4
offshore applications,” Int. J. Renew. Energy Technol., vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 1–45, 2016.
5
6 [19] K. Hirata, “Schmidt theory for Stirling engines,” Natl. Marit. Res. Inst., 1997.
7
8 [20] W. R. Martini, “Stirling engine design manual,” 1983.
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6 Yasir Mehmood1, Asnaf Aziz1, Abid Hussain1, Fasih Ur Rahman 1, Muhammad Abubakkar 1, Imad
7 Rasool 1
8
9 1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology,
10 Postcode 25120, Peshawar, Pakistan
11
12 Email Addresses: 19jzmec0307@uetpeshawar.edu.pk; asnafaziz@uetpeshawar.edu.pk;
13
14
abidhussain@uetpeshawar.edu.pk; 19jzmec0309@gmail.com;
15 19jzmec0313@uetpeshawar.edu.pk; 19jzmec0373@nutech.edu.pk
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Fig. 1 Stirling Engine Process Diagram
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51 Fig. 2 Solar Stirling Engine
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5 1.0 Expamsion Volume Vexp
Compression Volume Vcomp
6 Engine Pressure
0.3
7
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Engine Pressure (MPa)
Vexp , Vcomp (litres l)

9 0.8
10 0.2
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0.6
13 0.1
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16 0.4 0.0
17 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0 200 400 600 800
18 Total Volume (l) Crank Angle ()

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22 Figure 2.3 Characteristic PV (Left) and V-vs-θ graphs for α-Stirling Engine
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48 Fig. 4 Slider Crank Kinematic Diagram
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16 Fig. 5 Torque and Force Vs Crank angle graph for Slider Crank
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31 Fig. 6 ANSYS Simulation for Regenerator Structural Integrity
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Figure 7 ANSYS Simulation for structural stability for Regenerator with ribs
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18 Figure 8 ANSYS Simulation Data for Connecting Rod Structural Integrity
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6 Yasir Mehmood1, Asnaf Aziz1, Abid Hussain1, Fasih Ur Rahman 1, Muhammad Abubakkar 1, Imad
7 Rasool 1
8
9 1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology,
10 Postcode 25120, Peshawar, Pakistan
11
12 Email Addresses: 19jzmec0307@uetpeshawar.edu.pk; asnafaziz@uetpeshawar.edu.pk;
13
14
abidhussain@uetpeshawar.edu.pk; 19jzmec0309@gmail.com;
15 19jzmec0313@uetpeshawar.edu.pk; 19jzmec0373@nutech.edu.pk
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Table 1 Stirling Engine Cycle
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22 Stirling Engine Dimensions& Specifications

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Height 243 mm
Length 237 mm
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26 Width 184 mm
27 Mass 11 kg
28 Displacer Piston 47 mm
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29 Power Piston 47 mm
30 Stroke 56 mm
31 Working Gas He / Air
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Table 2 Nomenclature
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36 Symbol Quantity Units

37
Pengine Operating Pressure in Engine bar
38
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39 Vexp Total Expansion volume in the pistons mm3

40 Vcomp Total Compression Volume in the piston mm3
41 Vse Expansion Swept Volume mm3
42 Vde Expansion Dead Volume mm3
43 Vsc Compression Piston Swept Volume mm3
44 Vdc Compression piston Dead Volume mm3
45 P Preload Pressure bar
46
Wexp Work done by expansion pistons J
47
48
Wcomp Work done by compression Pistons J
49 l Length of the connecting rod mm
50 r Crank radius mm
51 α Slider crank acceleration m/s2
52 v Slider crank velocity m/s
53 x Slider crank displacement m
54 ω Angular velocity of the engine, at 1000 rpm Rad/s
55 θ Crank angle deg
56
mb Combined mass of slider crank g
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58 T Torque produced in the engine Nm
59 σtmax Maximum stress in the flywheel MPa
60
1
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3 Flywheel efficiency No unit
4 ղy
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Table 3 Stirling Engine Calculations
12
Symbol Quantity Value Unit
13
14 V1 Hot Swept Volume of Displacer 1.9431×105 mm3
15 Vp Cold Swept Volume of Power-Piston 1.9431×105 mm3
16 Vh Hot Dead Volume of Displacer Piston 91000 mm3
17 Vc Cold Dead Volume of Power Piston 50000 mm3
18 Vr Regenerator Dead Volume 182500 mm3
19 R Specific gas Constant 287.1 J/Kg K
20 P Preload Pressure in System 7 bar
21
T Highest Temperature of System 673 K
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23 Tc Compression Space Gas Temperature 303 K
24 Tr Regenerator Temperature 463.6519 K
M Mass of Gas in System when the Slider- 21.7568 10-1 g
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26 Crank is at an angle of 0
27 S S 3.5529
28 B Beale Number 1.0967
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29 C C 0.3087
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Pm Mean Pressure 5.7645 Bar
31
a1 a1 65.7616 degree
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33 We Work done by expansion piston 50.7627 J
34 Wc Work done by Compression piston 22.8545 J
35 Wi Total Work 27.9082 J
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40 Table 4 Regenerator without Structural Integrity and Criteria for Simulation
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42 Quantity Value
43 Max pressure 1 MPa
45 Mesh Type Refinement Mesh + Fine Mesh
46 Materials Mild Steel
47 Density 7.85*10-6 kg/ mm-3
48
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 1.2 *10-5 C-1
49
50 Specific Heat 4.34*105 mJ kg-1 C-1
51 Thermal Conductivity 6.05*10-2 W mm-1 C-1
52 Resistivity 1.7e-004-ohm mm 1.7*10-4 ohm mm
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5 Table 5 ANSYS Simulation Data for Connecting Rod Structural Integrity
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7 Quantity Value
8 Length 100 mm
9 Max Force 750 N
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Factor of Safety 2
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12 Mesh Type Fine Mesh
13 Materials Forged Steel
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16 Table 6 Temperature of Cylinders (Experimentally obtained)
17
18 S. No. Max Temperature (°C) (Displacer Average Temperature(°C) (Power Cylinders
19 Cylinders i.e., Hot Cylinders) i.e. Cold Cylinders)
20 1 420 27.3
21 2 383 28.1
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22 3 449 31.0
23 4 395 27.3
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26 Table 7 Stirling Engine Efficiency
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28 S. No.
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29 ղeff
30 1 0.34911
31 2 0.34599
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33 3 0.34761
34 4 0.34758
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Energy Exploration & Exploitation

Design of an Alpha Solar Stirling Engine for Energy

Journal: Energy Exploration & Exploitation

Manuscript Type: Research Article

Aziz, Asnaf; University of Engineering & Technology, Mechanical

Rasool, Imad ; University of Engineering & Technology

Heat Engine, Solar Energy, Stirling Cycle, Stirling Engine, Heat

renowned for its adaptability to diverse heat sources. The research is

an in-depth analysis of the Solar Stirling engine's configuration and the

39 of 90% mechanical efficiency [18].

36 2.1. Assembly Model of Stirling Engine

25 Table 3 Stirling Engine Calculations

29 Vp Cold Swept Volume of Power-Piston 1.9431×105 mm3

36 T Highest Temperature of System 673 K

39 M Mass of Gas in System when the Slider- 21.7568 10-1 g

29 1.0 Expamsion Volume Vexp

29 Cylinders i.e., Hot Cylinders) i.e. Cold Cylinders)

36 analysis; Fasih Ur Rahman: manuscript preparation, project administration; Muhammad

39 preparation, discussion, review & editing

22 International Stirling Engine Conference (ISEC), 2016.

32 Renew. energy, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 57–66, 2005.

Vexp , Vcomp (litres l)

18 Total Volume (l) Crank Angle ()

22 Stirling Engine Dimensions& Specifications

36 Symbol Quantity Units

39 Vexp Total Expansion volume in the pistons mm3

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