Modelling and parametric study of an efficient Alpha type Stirling engine performance based on 3D CFD analysis

The CFD model was used to carry out a parametric study to investigate the effects of various design parameters and operating conditions such as, regenerator porosity, charge pressure, matrix wire diameter, dead volume and hot/cold ends temperatures on the engine performance in terms of power output through predicting the PV diagram of the engine. Results showed that maximum power can be achieved by increasing the porosity up to 80% and the wire matrix diameter to 0.02 mm at a temperature of the hot and cold sides at 600 °C and 20 °C respectively. Further decreasing of the cold end temperature to −20 °C can produce 162 W. For the heater and the cooler volumes, it was found that a height of 140 mm produced the highest engine power output of 170 W. This work highlights the potential of using CFD modelling to improve the design parameters and operating conditions to enhance the performance of alpha type Stirling engines.