Examination of Stirling engine parameters effect on its thermal efficiency using PROSA software

Abstract

This paper uses second-order software for evaluating five Stirling engine parameter?s effect on its performance to select an appropriate configuration with optimal dimensions for its use in a concentrated solar power plant. Appropriate configuration, heater shape, bundle tube heat exchanger size, and regenerator type and geometry are studied. Results show that alpha type Stirling engine is the most suitable for high temperature differences, U-shaped tubes are advantageous in combining good efficiency and fewer pressure losses. Shortening inner diameter and increasing U-shaped tubes number is a good strategy to increase engine efficiency also an increase in tubes length generates a reduction in engine efficiency. Regarding the regenerator, the wire mesh regenerator presents a good compromise between minimum pressure drop and heat losses and provides better engine efficiency. For its size, better efficiency is obtained for a thicker mesh.