Development of Low Temperature Heat Engine for Water Pumping Application

This paper presents the description and operation of solar powered heat engine for water pumping operation. The heat engine model has been developed to deliver 2L per stroke and at operating head of 5 meters. The design of the heat engine is based on thermal water pump cycle and uses organic working fluid. Working fluids like acetone and n-pentane were tried during the experimental investigation. The heat engine operates between 30 °C to 100 °C temperature. The major part of this paper reports the design of the heat engine, recognition of problems occurred during the actual operation of the system and finally the material compatibility test. Thermal performance test results have been presented with recommendations for further improvement.