Modified Analytical Model of the Stirling Cycle: Impact of Loss Mechanisms on Stirling Engine Efficiency

Guan Wang (), Jarosław Goszczak, Wissam Bou Nader, Damian Batory and Grzegorz Mitukiewicz
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Guan Wang: Department of Vehicles and Fundamentals of Machine Design, Lodz University of Technology, 90-537 Lodz, Poland
Jarosław Goszczak: Department of Vehicles and Fundamentals of Machine Design, Lodz University of Technology, 90-537 Lodz, Poland
Wissam Bou Nader: Stellantis, Technical Center, 78140 Vélizy-Villacoublay, France
Damian Batory: Department of Vehicles and Fundamentals of Machine Design, Lodz University of Technology, 90-537 Lodz, Poland
Grzegorz Mitukiewicz: Department of Vehicles and Fundamentals of Machine Design, Lodz University of Technology, 90-537 Lodz, Poland

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 18, 1-25

Abstract: Stirling engines are widely applied due to their high thermal efficiency and ability to operate with diverse heat sources. An accurate thermodynamic model is essential for optimising engine design parameters and evaluating the thermal performance of Stirling engines. Despite the fact that the Schmidt model and the ideal adiabatic model quite commonly approximate the performance, they frequently neglect critical loss mechanisms such as regenerator inefficiency, flow resistance, and mechanical friction. In order to address the limitations identified, this study proposes a numerical performance analysis of the GENOA 03 α-type Stirling engine under real operating conditions. The analysis is conducted using an extended second-order Simple Model and Finite Speed approach. The model incorporates significant irreversibilities, including the effectiveness of the regenerator, pressure losses, the shuttle effect, and mechanical friction. A novel aspect of this study is the experimental determination of mechanical friction losses under no-load conditions at various rotational speeds, which are then integrated into the numerical model. The findings of the study indicate that regenerator imperfection and friction losses are significant factors affecting the performance of Stirling engines, and contribute approximately 23% and 14% of the total engine inefficiency, respectively. The model also identifies 1.25 MPa as the minimum operational pressure threshold. The proposed approach integrates experimental data with modified analytical modelling providing more accurate performance predictions for Stirling engines.

Keywords: Stirling cycle analysis; Stirling engine efficiency; mechanical losses; regenerator effectiveness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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