A numerical analysis on the performance of a pressurized twin power piston gamma-type Stirling engine

In this study, a prototype helium-changed twin-power-piston γ-type Stirling engine has been built, and some of its geometrical and operational parameters have been investigated by a numerical model. Data taken from the prototype engine have been used to correct the values of some factors in the numerical model. The results include volume and temperature variations in the expansion and compression chambers, p–v diagrams, and the effects of regeneration effectiveness, the crank radius of the power piston, the initial pressure of working gas, and the rotation speed on engine’s power and efficiency. It has been found that regeneration effectiveness poses the most prominent effect on efficiency, while engine speed is most effective on the engine power within the range of engine speed investigated in this study. This study offers invaluable guides for the design and optimization of γ-type Stirling engines with similar construction.

► A numerical model has been applied to study the performance of a gamma-type Stirling engine.
► A prototype engine has been built to correct the values of some factors in the model.
► The regeneration effectiveness is most prominent on efficiency.
► Engine speed is most effective on the engine power.
► The rotation arm and initial gas pressure are also influential factors on engine power.