Thermodynamic analysis of a beta type Stirling engine with a displacer driving mechanism by means of a lever

In this study a novel configuration of beta type Stirling engine was described and studied from kinematic and thermodynamics points of view. Some aspects of the novel engine were compared to the crank driven and Rhombic-drive engines. By means of nodal analysis, the instantaneous temperature distribution of working fluid, through the heating-cooling passage, conducting the cold space to hot space, was studied. Variation of work generation due to leak of the working fluid was examined and an estimation of the clearance between piston and cylinder was made. By using three different practically possible values of convective heat transfer coefficient, which were 200, 300 and 400 W/m(2) K, respectively, variation of work generation with working fluid mass was examined. For the same values of convective heat transfer coefficient, the variation of engine power with engine speed was examined. A simple prototype was built and tested with no pressurized ambient air. By applying 260 C temperature to the hot end and 20 C temperature to the cold end of displacer cylinder 14.72 Watts shaft power was measured. Results of theoretical study and experimental measurements were presented in diagrams. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.