Finding the optimum temperature to operate stirling engine for harnessing solar energy

• Main Author: Huang, Mingda.
• Other Authors: Zhang Daming
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering::Power electronics
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/46194
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Stirling Engine was invented in 1816. Today, Stirling engines are used in underwater power systems, marine engines and even satellite operations. Combining with solar power, Stirling engines are widely used in countries like America and Mexico. It is not only efficient, but most importantly, using solar Stirling engines actually help to save our planet Earth. Base on the NASA “Stirling Engine Design Manual” in 1978, a series of calculations were made by various researchers in computing the maximum efficiency of the solar Stirling Engine, known as Ground Power Unit 3(GPU3). This report will determine the optimum operating temperature in order for the GPU3 to reach its maximum efficiency. A range of temperatures from 400K to 1000K are used and calculations are shown in detailed. The report also discuss about the advantages of using parabolic reflector as heat trapping and ways to improve parabolic reflector in Solar Stirling Engine operations are shown as well.