Experimental investigations of a gamma Stirling engine

International audienceThe present work deals with the measurement and performance of a gamma Stirling engine of 500?W of mechanical shaft power and 600?rpm of maximal revolutions per minute. Series of measurements concerning the pressure distribution, temperature evolution, and brake power were performed. The study of the different functioning parameters such as initial charge pressure, engine velocity, cooling water flowrate, and temperature gradient (between the sources of heat) has been analyzed. The engine brake power increases with the initial charge pressure, with the cooling water flow, and with the engine revolutions per minute. The working fluid temperature measurements have been recorded in different locations symmetrically along both regenerator sides. The recorded temperature in regenerator side one is about 252 degrees C and about 174 degrees C in the opposite side (side two). It shows an asymmetric temperature distribution in the Stirling engine regenerator; consequently, heat transfer inside this porous medium is deteriorated. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd