Coupled thermodynamic–dynamic semi-analytical model of free piston Stirling engines

A Lumped-parameter Dynamic Model of a Thermal Regenerator for Free-piston Stirling Engines

This paper uses lumped parameter dynamic equations to model the mass flow, piston dynamics, and control volume behavior inside a free-piston Stirling engine. A new model for a Stirling engine thermal regenerator that incorporates a dynamically changing temperature gradient is presented. The use of graphite as a regenerator matrix material is justified despite its limited background by comparing...

Dynamic Modeling of a Regenerator for the Control-Based Design of Free-Piston Stirling Engines

This paper describes a new approach to modeling and designing free-piston Stirling engines with the goal of building a working prototype. The Stirling cycle is recast as a dynamic system where control design tools and techniques can be applied to determine optimal manufacturable parameters for the engine. A simplified state-space analysis exhibits the merits of this perspective by revealing a l...

Preliminary Design of Linear Alternator Dynamometer for Free Piston Stirling Engines Final

Linear Alternator Technologies Used for Free Piston Stirling

Introduction: The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is conducting in-house research on linear alternators (LA’s) to assist in developing free-piston Stirling convertors for radioisotope space power systems. This abstract intends to summarize the existing and potential types of LA’s that may be used with Stirling power convertors. Many of the existing LA types have been tested at NASA GRC and wor...

Multiphase Stirling Engines

Analysis, design, fabrication, and experimental assessment of a symmetric three-phase free-piston Stirling engine system is discussed in this paper. The system is designed to operate with moderate-temperature heat input that is consistent with solar-thermal collectors. Diaphragm pistons and nylon flexures are considered for this prototype to eliminate surface friction and to provide appropriate...