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Simulation, manufacture and experimental validation of a novel single-acting free-piston Stirling engine electric generator

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  • de la Bat, B.J.G.
  • Dobson, R.T.
  • Harms, T.M.
  • Bell, A.J.

Abstract

Owing to its high thermal efficiency, fuel flexibility, low vibration and noise, and low emissions, the free-piston Stirling engine has in recent years attracted renewed interest worldwide for uses specifically relating to micro-combined heat and power generation. To aid prospective engine designers with the modelling and analysis of such engines, this paper presents the numerical simulation, manufacture and experimental validation of a free-piston Stirling engine electric generator. The paper firstly presents a 100 W electrical free-piston Stirling engine developed at Stellenbosch University. Secondly, an overview of a fully-explicit, one-dimensional numerical model is given in which both the engine thermodynamic and kinematic behaviours are solved as an initial-value problem. Thirdly, an experiential case study of passive engine operation is presented in which a peak electrical output of between 60 and 70 W was delivered. The obtained experimental data clearly validates the numerical model, with the piston stroke deviating by 2.61%; the piston-displacer phase difference by 12.42%; the workspace indicated power by 15.15%; and the average electrical output power by 23.30%. For future work it is recommended that the validated model be used to develop a more optimised and task-suited engine. The use of an active feedback controller is also recommended so that piston-casing collision can be eliminated.

Suggested Citation

  • de la Bat, B.J.G. & Dobson, R.T. & Harms, T.M. & Bell, A.J., 2020. "Simulation, manufacture and experimental validation of a novel single-acting free-piston Stirling engine electric generator," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 263(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:263:y:2020:i:c:s0306261920300970
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.114585
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Zare, Shahryar & Tavakolpour-saleh, A.R. & Aghahosseini, A. & Sangdani, M.H. & Mirshekari, Reza, 2021. "Design and optimization of Stirling engines using soft computing methods: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
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    6. Uchman, Wojciech & Kotowicz, Janusz & Li, Kin Fun, 2021. "Evaluation of a micro-cogeneration unit with integrated electrical energy storage for residential application," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(PA).
    7. Chen, Pengfan & Yang, Peng & Liu, Liu & Liu, Yingwen, 2021. "Parametric investigation of the phase characteristics of a beta-type free piston Stirling engine based on a thermodynamic-dynamic coupled model," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 219(C).
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    9. Chin-Hsiang Cheng & Surender Dhanasekaran, 2021. "Numerical Analysis and Parametric Study of a 7 kW Tubular Permanent Magnet Linear Alternator," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-15, June.
    10. Ahmed, Fawad & Zhu, Shunmin & Yu, Guoyao & Luo, Ercang, 2022. "A potent numerical model coupled with multi-objective NSGA-II algorithm for the optimal design of Stirling engine," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C).
    11. Guillermo Salinas & Juan A. Serrano-Vargas & Javier Muñoz-Antón & Pedro Alou, 2021. "Thermal Resistance Matrix Extraction from Finite-Element Analysis for High-Frequency Magnetic Components," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-14, May.

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