Thermodynamic analysis and optimization of solar thermal engine: Performance enhancement

Abstract

At the moment the energies of fossil origin, under different forms (petroleum transformed into different fuels, gases...), represent the most used energy source because available in large quantities and still relatively have a low cost and easily exploitable. The impact on the environment of their massive use leads to thinking on the decrease of these energy consumption or even their replacement. Stirling engines can operate in reverse cycle and, rather than provide work from two thermal sources, provide thermal energy from a mechanical work and another source of heat. In this investigation a new mode of operation experimentally by generating cold have been explored. The needs in thermal sources (air conditioning, heat pump) are important and current responses are often energy intensive. This can offer Stirling machines other openings than the production of work. The cycle being the same, the work done on Stirling engines can make it possible to study the reverse Stirling cycle and thus serve as a basis for machine optimization refrigerators or Stirling heat pumps.