A Stirling Engine for Automotive Applications

Abstract

This paper describes a Stirling Engine used as an Auxiliary Power Unit in a Series Hybrid Vehicle. The engine modeling is presented, then its integration in the vehicle power train is described. Fuel consumption, power train efficiency are compared between Stirling Engines and Spark ignition Engines. The results show that Stirling engines present good performances compared to internal combustion engines in the same configuration. Finally, the prototype design and first results are presented.