Multi-objective optimization of GPU3 Stirling engine using third order analysis

• A third-order analysis is carried out for optimization of Stirling engine.
• The triple-optimization is done on a GPU3 Stirling engine.
• A multi-objective optimization is carried out for a Stirling engine.
• The results are compared with an experimental previous work for checking the model improvement.
• The methods of TOPSIS, Fuzzy, and LINMAP are compared with each other in aspect of optimization.

Stirling engine is an external combustion engine that uses any external heat source to generate mechanical power which operates at closed cycles. These engines are good choices for using in power generation systems; because these engines present a reasonable theoretical efficiency which can be closer to the Carnot efficiency, comparing with other reciprocating thermal engines. Hence, many studies have been conducted on Stirling engines and the third order thermodynamic analysis is one of them. In this study, multi-objective optimization with four decision variables including the temperature of heat source, stroke, mean effective pressure, and the engine frequency were applied in order to increase the efficiency and output power and reduce the pressure drop. Three decision-making procedures were applied to optimize the answers from the results. At last, the applied methods were compared with the results obtained of one experimental work and a good agreement was observed.