APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING, cilt.130, ss.1373-1379, 2018 (SCI-Expanded)
This paper presents construction and performance tests of an alpha-type Stirling engine. Experiments were performed within the range of 1-4 bars charge pressure with air and helium as the working fluid. The outer surface of the expansion cylinder was heated with an electrical heater within the range of heater temperature 800-1000 degrees C with 50 degrees C increments. The outer surface of the compression cylinder was cooled by circulating water. Heater temperature and charge pressure were assumed as operating parameters and the engine torque was measured for different engine speeds with air and helium. The engine produced a maximum power of 30.7W at 437 rpm engine speed, at the heater temperature of 1000 degrees C and 3.5 bars charge pressure with helium. Engine torque increased with the increase of charge pressure up to 3 bar then started to decrease. By looking the point of engine speed range of the engine, 1000 degrees C hot end temperature and 3 bar charge pressure was the optimal values. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.