Exploring dynamic operation of a solar dish-stirling engine: Validation and implementation of a novel TRNSYS type

Abstract

The combination of solar dishes and Stirling engines is a promising and reliable technology to convert solar radiation into power which can minimize fossil fuel consumption for electricity generation. The current research intends to explore solar dish/Stirling engine system functionality under different operating conditions and climates. A numerical routine has been developed and adopted to TRNSYS© to estimate the impact of dynamic parameters, including irradiation flux and ambient temperature on the daily, monthly, or seasonal performance and efficiency of the solar dish-Stirling engine system. The routine is based on Schmidt’s theory in association with a heat transfer model for the receiver of the dish. First, the routine has been validated against experimental measurements with an error below 15%. Then, the effect of the dish’s angle and cold sink temperature on system efficiency have been investigated. It is found that an approximately 5% increase in power will be realistic if the cold sink temperature fell by 30 degrees. Eventually, the annual performance of the system in different climates has been examined. It can be concluded that the best output of the system will occur in desert climates with over 20 GJ of electrical energy per year (24% efficiency). In contrast, in a continental humid climate, the rate of power generation is 50% lower (15% efficiency).