An Investigation of a Self-Pressurized Alpha V-Type Stirling Engine Converted Diesel Engine

Abstract

This study reports the investigation results of 194cc. alpha V-type Stirling engine converted from a four-stroke diesel engine that operated in self-pressurized mode. Tests were conducted with air as the working gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as the heat source. The engine started operating at 600 °C for hot cylinder temperature and 60 °C for cold cylinder temperature, respectively. At heat input of 1100 J/s, the engine performance was successfully tested at both no load and load conditions. For mechanical shaft power assessment, the engine approximately produced a maximum brake power of 7 W, brake thermal efficiency of 0.6% at 717 rpm speed, 811 °C hot cylinder temperature and 96 °C cold cylinder temperature. For electrical power assessment, the engine was capable of generating a maximum electrical output power of 1.7 We at 657 rpm speed, 855 °C hot cylinder temperature and 98 °C cold cylinder temperature. Despite its low engine performance, the study of alpha V-type Stirling engine is a worthwhile step towards clean and sustainable energy in mass production.