Indirect characterisation of indicated power in Stirling engines through brake power measurements

The method presented in this paper for indicated power characterisation is based on brake power measurements, which are adjusted using semi-empirical equations through numerical calculus. Experimental measurements of the Yamanokami-2 engine at 16 operating points are compared with the power curves obtained from the model equations, demonstrating that the procedure allows the experimental indicated power data to be expressed with acceptable accuracy through the analysis of the experimental brake power data. Experimental data obtained from the characterisation of a recently restored V160F Stirling engine are employed to demonstrate that the method can be used to evaluate the quality of direct measurements of indicated power. Predictions made using recently developed simulation program are included to illustrate the method's feasibility. The use of dimensionless variables is recommended for the characterisation and analysis of results. The proposed method can reduce the risk of leaks caused by temperature and pressure transducers connections, as well as enabling the detection of anomalous measurements.