Abstract
In this paper, a model of a low temperature difference (LTD) Stirling engine with regenerator is presented. The equations governing the heat transfer and the compressible fluid dynamics are solved numerically as a coupled system, including the ideal gas state equation, Navier Stokes equations and energy balance. The engine cycle induces flow compression, expansion and regeneration in free volumes and through porous media. The present developed CFD model makes possible to obtain the instantaneous values of the physical parameters (pressure, temperature, velocity, density, etc.). With these obtained values, the continuous p-V cycle can be analysed which leads to the mechanical work calculation. The results of the simulation concerning an engine with regeneration is compared to those obtained in previous work by an engine without regeneration and validated with experimental data obtained under similar conditions without regeneration. The preliminary results show the important improvement due to the engine regeneration operation and the related regenerator porosity effect allowing the reduction of the pressure drop and viscous dissipation.
Highlights
The various Stirling engine types, are driven by “hot gases” [1,2,3] with contribution of external heat which leads to great flexibility in use
The numerical simulations are used to display the characteristics of a working gas for the considered and previously defined low temperature difference (LTD) Stirling engine with regeneration, in its hot and cold spaces as well as in the regenerator
The performances of the engine depend on several parameters, such as regeneration efficiency governed by the geometrical and physical characteristics of the used porous media
Summary
The various Stirling engine types, are driven by “hot gases” [1,2,3] with contribution of external heat which leads to great flexibility in use. Within the framework of sustainable development, they constitute an alternative to be taken into account for the effective conversion of renewable energies into mechanical work, with high theoretical efficiency [4,5,6]. They are able to operate with low differences of temperature (LTD) between both heat sources and convert wasted heat into various processes [7,8,9,10,11,12,13]. The regenerator consists, in general, of a porous or fibrous material with great permeability and high thermal conductivity and specific heat
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