Design study of a kinematic Stirling engine for dispered solar electric power systems. Final report, 1979 - 1980

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5689281

The concept evaluation shows that the four cylinder double acting U type Stirling engine with annular regenerators is the most suitable engine type for the 15 kW solar application with respect to design, performance and cost. Results show that near term performance for a metallic Stirling engine is 42% efficiency. Further improved components show an impact on efficiency of the future metallic engine to 45%. Increase of heater temperature, through the introduction of ceramic components, contribute the greatest amount to achieve high efficiency goals. Future ceramic Stirling engines for solar applications show an efficiency of around 50%.

• Research Organization: United Stirling A.B. Malmo (Sweden)
• OSTI ID: 5689281
• Report Number(s): NASA-CR-159588
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
DISTRIBUTED COLLECTOR POWER PLANTS
STIRLING ENGINES
DESIGN
CERAMICS
EFFICIENCY
PERFORMANCE
REGENERATION
WORKING FLUIDS
ENGINES
FLUIDS
HEAT ENGINES
POWER PLANTS
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
140703* - Solar Thermal Power Systems- Distributed Collector