Development of a stirling engine

The Stirling engine has recently stepped up on research and development after an emphasis has been placed on the importance of harnessing renewable energy. Its ability to produce work from any form of heating and cooling source by utilising a temperature difference on its hot and cold ends is a remarkable feat. In this study, a gamma-type, Stirling engine was procured and the effects of cooling of the engine’s cold end on the engine’s performance were investigated. In order to have the cooling capabilities required of the study, modifications were made to the engine. Prior to testing, a cooling device was fabricated with copper tubes wound around a solid copper block, acting as a heat exchanger. The cooling device was subsequently installed on the engine’s cold end after fabrication. A control experiment of using ambient air as the coolant was first conducted followed by using coolants of different temperature ranges. Water was cooled to various temperatures and supplied to cool the engine at its cold end. It was observed that cooling brought about an increase in the engine’s power output when provided in controlled amounts. However, too much cooling can lead to a drop in engine performance and even a loss of operational capability. The operating temperatures of the ends, rotational speed of the engine and power produced were recorded and analysed in this report and discussed in further detail. Future studies are recommended to utilise equipment which have precise temperature control and data-logging computers for accurate results.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering