Sequential optimization of a solar stirling system

Abstract

The use of solar energy to produce mechanical or electrical energy is presently a good related to environmental concern and sustainable power production. We propose in this paper to develop a model of a Thermomechanical solar system, with a Stirling engine. The presented model is a first step in the optimization of the main functional parameters, using only thermodynamics of the system (whatever the kinematics). So we focus on optimal control of system temperatures, and physical dimensions optimal allocation. The heat exchangers model uses e, the thermal effectiveness of the heat exchangers (HEX) and the number of heat transfer units (NTU), and allows us to show that an optimal way to allocate in heat exchangers effectiveness, the heat capacity rates at the hot and cold side of the system is possible. The sensitivity of the model to parameters variation is reported and future improvements of the work are proposed.