Development of a low-temperature-difference indirect-heating kinematic Stirling engine

Makoto Takeuchi, Shinji Suzuki and Yutaka Abe

Energy, 2021, vol. 229, issue C

Abstract: Stirling engines can become a key component of distributed combined heat and power systems using renewable energy; however, their heat transfer surfaces suffer from overheating. To solve this, a low-temperature-difference indirect-heating kinematic Stirling engine employing a heat-transfer medium was developed. A new basic design method is devised by returning to the ideal Stirling cycle. The basic design of an engine optimized for temperature differences can be carried out using these criteria. To realize this basic design as an actual engine, an α+-type engine—the basic type suitable for low-temperature difference conditions—was developed. We developed a 10 kW-class engine using the basic design and type. Heat transfer oil was heated to 300 °C by burning wood biomass and circulated to the engine, which attained a maximum output of 14.3 kW, and a thermal efficiency of 15%. The engine was installed at the Minamisōma city community center and operates as a micro-combined heat and power system connected to the grid and independently during emergencies. The results show that the concept of the indirect heating low-temperature difference-type Stirling engine solves the main problem of its practical use, which can be used as a new distributed energy system.

Keywords: Stirling engine; Combined heat and power; Design method; Biomass; Indirect-heating; Kinematic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:229:y:2021:i:c:s0360544221008264

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.120577

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