Resonance Stirling Engine producing heat and power (CHP)

Abstract

The free-piston Resonance Stirling engine forms a new “electricity producing heating system”. Its compact assembly operates reliably and at high efficiency, setting new standards for small heating systems. Complete units are currently submitted to a prolonged test program, preparing their production at an industrial scale. The engines are heated from outside by a FLOX-burner (flameless flue gas recirculation burner), exposing the working gas to high temperatures. Even at low excess air rates the flue gases are virtually free of pollutants. The free pistons of this resonance concept oscillate in a perfectly stable mode, entailing an important cyclic pressure swing to the working gas. The electric efficiency exceeds 25% and total efficiency (electricity + useful heat) lies above 90%. The heating power of the fuel is used with high benefit, promising a widespread application to this new technology.

Keywords

• stirling
• free piston
• resonance
• stability
• performance
• applications