Performance analysis of a stirling engine heated by two individual heat sources (Solar and fossil fuel)

ABSTRACT: To meet the continuously increasing demand in electricity, while conserving our natural resources and the earth as a whole, more effective and alternative energy sources must be utilized. For an alternative source of energy to be attractive, it must be both economical and have the ability to be interconnected with existing grid. Stirling engine can achieve and implement the highest efficiency of all the practical heat engines and theoretically up to the Carnot efficiency. In addition, Stirling engine is fuel flexible, and is not limited to any one specific heat sources. The purpose of this thesis is to effectively and efficiently convert thermal energy from two different heat sources (solar and fossil fuel) into electrical energy via Stirling heat engine. The comparison and performance of these two heat sources under Northern Cyprus climate conditions analyzed. The proposed work is designed and developed a prototype and manufactured alpha Stirling engine operates at temperature range of 70 to 200 . The engine first tested and heated by fossil fuels and secondly by solar radiation. Two working fluids (helium and air) are considered in this prototype to compare the working principles of the engine. Keywords: Stirling engine, Stirling cycle, low moderate temperature, helium, fuel flexible, engine performance, thermodynamic simulation. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………