Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the reliability of existing and improved Stirling engine concepts for dispersed solar dish-electric applications in the 25-50 kWe range. Five current kinematic Stirling engine designs have the capability to meet or exceed the 32% efficiency goal of the DOE Solar Thermal Program. A review of historical Stirling engine data illustrated that the three major reliability issues with kinematic Stirling engines are the piston-rod seals, engine hot parts (i.e., heater head, regenerator and cylinders) and power control/drive system. The most significant reliability issue associated with achieving the 50,000 hour operating life goal involves piston-rod seals. A specific kinematic engine concept that appears to have the potential for meeting the 50,000 hour operating lifetime requirement of solar power systems is the STM4-120 engine. This engine has a pressurized crankcase to reduce piston-rod seal problems, an indirect heat pipe hot-end section to smooth out temperature gradients in the heater tubes, and a variable angle swashplate for power control.

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