Calculations and experiments on y-type Stirling engines.

Wagner, Andreas 2008. Calculations and experiments on y-type Stirling engines. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University.

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Abstract

This thesis is written to give an overview of the most important types of calculation methods for the analysis of y-type Stirling engines found in the last 60 years. Simple methods like the ideal process calculation and the 0th order analysis found by Beale and West are given to describe the process steps and to get a first reference value of performance and efficiency. Higher order calculations like the Schmidt analysis (1st order) and 2nd order methods for the ideal adiabatic and quasi steady flow models are described in detail and optimised for the y-type Stirling engine. With a generated quasi steady computer program code parameter variation is used to obtain an impression of the dependency of performance and efficiency on varying geometry data and boundary conditions. In addition to these models the heat exchanger sections heater, cooler and regenerator are analysed in depth with the CFD program ANSYS CFX. To compare the results of the theoretical analysis to measured ones three experimental engines are used. Different process values are determined on a biomass fired CHP Stirling system and on a solar Dish / Stirling system. On a Stirling engine test bench some of the parameter variations of the quasi steady program are repeated in experiments for comparison. These engines are modified in ways to make them run properly and to improve durability. The behaviour of the y-type Stirling engine is analysed in detail both in experiments and theoretically: this is felt to be unique. With the modified quasi steady flow model a method is found that is able to predict the process performance with a higher accuracy than it can be done with any other calculation method. This method can easily be modified to fit any other type of Stirling engine.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Engineering
Subjects:	T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
ISBN:	9781303224546
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Last Modified:	12 Feb 2016 23:11
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/54057

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