Development of a 100-Watt-Scale Beta-Type Low Temperature Difference Stirling Engine Prototype

Abstract

This paper documents the ongoing design process of a Stirling engine prototype for a source temperature of 95 °C, aiming to achieve shaft power on the order of 100 Watts. The engine will serve to produce experimental data for the validation of a numerical low temperature Stirling model. The higher-level motivation is to assess the technical and economical potential of producing power from abundant sources of low temperature heat by using Stirling engines. Design decisions are governed by the goals of minimizing energy losses and maximizing the variability of operating points through variable heat exchanger geometry, compression ratio and charge pressure. The resulting design is a beta engine with a total gas volume around 100 liters. It features displacer and power pistons in a combined cylindrical working space and a mechanism using pivoting links similar to a bellcrank. The stroke of the power piston is adjustable while maintaining a constant top dead center position. A component critical for friction is the power piston seal, for which a low friction rolling seal and a conventional sliding seal were considered. As of June 2021, the development is at an advanced state and the first set of components are entering production.