Is Stirling engine technology a viable alternative to Rankine cycle technology?

The decision to research Stirling engine technology in no way discounts the substantial potential of Rankine cycle technology (and related variants), or other technologies (such as thermo-photovoltaics ) in this area of thermal power generation. 2. Key Factors

Does Stirling biopower have a cogenerator?

Stirling Biopower is now providing an SE-based cogenerator named FleXgen G38 (Fig. 18), which is derived from Stirling Thermal Motors Power’s PowerUnit product. The main component of the cogenerator is a four-cylinder SE with a swash-plate drive mechanism, which makes the output torque of the engine nearly constant.

How efficient is a Stirling engine?

Given heat exchanger, regenerator, mechanical and electric generator losses, and sub-optimal gas flow dynamics, it is reasonable to consider that the practical system efficiency could be as low as 1% for such a temperature differential. More comprehensive details of Stirling engine theory can be found in the literature review . 3.

How does a Stirling engine work?

Stirling engines are closed system machines that cycle a working gas through a regenerator, back and forth between hot and cold heat exchanger surfaces (heat reservoirs) . While there is a vast array of potential engine configurations, mechanical work is usually extracted through a piston-crank arrangement.

Who makes Powergen Stirling engines?

PowerGen Stirling Engines are manufactured by Qnergy. Contact us today to get started! RedHawk Energy is a distributor for Qnergy in the rail transportation market in the US & Canada. We do not supply or market the PowerGen to residential customers and oil & gas customers.

Are low-grade heat sources economically viable for Stirling engine power generation?

Owing to the perceived technology advantages associated with the Stirling cycle and the skill base of the research team, a new research programme has been initiated at the University of Canterbury to investigate the potential of economically viable Stirling engine power generation systems utilising low-grade heat sources.