Cyclic analysis and optimization of design parameters for Beta-configuration Stirling engine using rhombic drive

Highlights: • Effect of overlapping volume displaced by piston and displacer in compression cylinder is considered. • Sensitivity analysis provides sequence of parameters in decreasing order of effects for optimization. • Combined effect of net output and efficiency instead of a single Optimization Parameter is considered. • Design parameters of a Beta Stirling Engine with rhombic drive are optimized using cyclic analysis. - Abstract: Design and development of Beta configuration Stirling engine is a complex combination of thermodynamic analysis and mechanical design of components. The present work uses the second order cyclic analysis for the thermodynamic investigations and includes the effect of the overlapping volume displaced by piston and displacer within cylinder. It determines the ideal heat input, ideal power output and related losses separately. This provides estimate of net heat input, net brake power and cooling duty. The sensitivity analysis of various design and operating parameters is carried out to decide the order in which these should be modified and includes heater tube assembly parameters; annular regenerator assembly parameters; and cooler assembly parameters, using univariate method. The optimization considers the combined effect of the net power output and the efficiency instead of a single Optimization Parameter. The present work thus presents the cyclic analysis and optimization of design parameters of a Beta configuration Stirling Engine of 1.5 kWe using rhombic drive. It was observed that the power output exceeds the requirement of 1.5 kWe. Instead of carrying out the optimization process all over again, the operating parameter p_mean is adjusted to 24 bar to obtain the desired output of 1.5 kWe.