Thermodynamic and economic optimization of a solar-powered Stirling engine for micro-cogeneration purposes

Ferreira, Ana; Teixeira, José Carlos; Martins, Luís Barreiros; Teixeira, Senhorinha

doi:10.1016/j.energy.2016.05.091

Cited by 84 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Compared to other CSP systems, parabolic dish technology has demonstrated the highest levels of efficiency in the conversion of solar to thermal energy [7], [8], [9], [10] using a parabolic concentrator which tracks the sun and concentrates the direct component of the solar radiation on a receiver fixed at its focal point. The high-temperature heat in the receiver is transferred to a working fluid in the Stirling engine, which then produces mechanical energy [11], [12]. The mechanical energy is subsequently transformed into electricity by a generator.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Others, are specific to dish-Stirling systems such as the difficulty in being integrated with storage systems compared to parabolic trough and linear Fresnel collectors [10]. On the other hand, several recent studies have shown that dish-Stirling systems could have numerous areas of application [15], such as: microcogeneration [11], potable water production [13], off-grid electrification and water pumping. Other interesting applications of dish-Stirling systems can certainly be developed in the future considering that this solar technology is very suitable for hybridisation with other renewable energy sources, according to a more general trend that began a few decades ago in this technological sector [28].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A validated energy model of a solar dish-Stirling system considering the cleanliness of mirrors

Buscemi¹,

Brano²,

Chiaruzzi³

et al. 2020

Applied Energy

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Solar systems based on the coupling of parabolic concentrating collectors and thermal engines (i.e. dish-Stirling systems) are among the most efficient generators of solar power currently available. This study focuses on the modelling of functioning data from a 32 kWe dish-Stirling solar plant installed at a facility test site on the University of Palermo campus, in Southern Italy. The proposed model, based on real monitored data, the energy balance of the collector and the partial load efficiency of the Stirling engine, can be used easily to simulate the annual energy production of such systems, making use of the solar radiation database, with the aim of encouraging a greater commercialisation of this technology. Introducing further simplifying assumptions based on our experimental data, the model can be linearised providing a new analytical expression of the parameters that characterise the widely used Stine empirical model. The model was calibrated against datacorresponding to the collector with clean mirrors and used to predict the net electric production of the dish-Stirling accurately. A numerical method for assessing the daily level of mirror soiling without the use of direct reflectivity measures was also defined. The proposed methodology was used to evaluate the history of mirror soiling for the observation period, which shows a strong correlation with the recorded sequence of rains and dust depositions. The results of this study emphasise how desert dust transport events, frequent occurrences in parts of the Mediterranean, can have a dramatic impact on the electric power generation of dish-Stirling plants.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A validated energy model of a solar dish-Stirling system considering the cleanliness of mirrors

Buscemi¹,

Brano²,

Chiaruzzi³

et al. 2020

Applied Energy

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“…shows a schematic of a Stirling cycle thermal powered irrigation system. A Stirling engine produces mechanical work by utilising cyclic compression and expansion of a working fluid (air, helium, hydrogen, nitrogen) [53] operating at different temperatures and enclosed in a fixed space [54]. The Stirling Engine can achieve the closest efficiency to the ideal Carnot cycle when compared to any other engines [55].…”

Section: Solar Thermal Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of sustainable solar irrigation systems for Sub-Saharan Africa

Wazed

Hughes

O’Connor

et al. 2018

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

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This investigation focused on the research undertaken on solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies for pumping water generally for irrigation of remote rural farms specifically considering the Sub-Saharan African region. Solar PV systems have been researched extensively for irrigation purposes due to the rise in Oil prices and the upscaling in commercialisation of PV technology. Based on the literature the most effective PV system is presented for the irrigation of a small scare remote rural farm with respect to the cost, pumping capacity and system efficiency. Similarly, solar thermal systems are reviewed and the most effective system described. Unlike PV technology, solar thermal technology for water pumping is lacking especially in small scale operations. However, with the possibility of local production, low investment cost, easy maintenance and lower carbon footprint, solar thermal water pumping technologies may be able to overcome the shortcomings of the PV technology that has stopped widespread use of the technology for irrigation applications. Taking into consideration recent developments in concentrated solar technologies using the Stirling engine, novel solar thermal water pumping systems may be developed. This review also highlighted the different methodologies such as modelling, used to investigate and optimise the performance of solar powered systems.

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“…The great advantage of these technologies is the combined production of heat and power (CHP) to fulfil energy demands while providing various environmental, functional and economic benefits (Ferreira et al, 2016). Four CSP technologies are available for such purpose.…”

Section: F V Barbosa Et Al: Development Of a Solar Concentrator Wimentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of a solar concentrator with tracking system

et al. 2016

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Abstract. Solar Energy has been, since the beginning of human civilization, a source of energy that raised considerable interest, and the technology used for their exploitation has developed constantly. Due to the energetic problems which society has been facing, the development of technologies to increase the efficiency of solar systems is of paramount importance. The solar concentration is a technology that has been used for many years by the scientist, because this system enables the concentration of solar energy in a focus, which allows a significant increase in energy intensity. The receiver, placed at the focus of the concentrator, can use the stored energy to produce electrical energy through Stirling engine, for example, or to produce thermal energy by heating a fluid that can be used in a thermal cycle. The efficiency of solar concentrators can be improved with the addition of a dual axis solar tracker system which allows a significant increase in the amount of stored energy. In response to the aforementioned, this paper presents the design and construction of a solar dish concentrator with tracking system at low cost, the optical and thermal modelling of this system and a performance analysis through experimental tests. The experimental validation allows to conclude that the application of a tracking system to the concentrator is very important since a minimum delay of the solar radiation leads to important losses of system efficiency. On the other hand, it is found that the external factors can affect the final results which include the optical and geometrical properties of the collector, the absorptivity and the position of the receiver as well as the weather conditions (essentially the wind speed and clouds). Thus, the paper aims to present the benefits of this technology in a world whose the consumption of energy by fossil fuels is a real problem that society needs to face.

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Thermodynamic and economic optimization of a solar-powered Stirling engine for micro-cogeneration purposes

Cited by 84 publications

References 36 publications

A validated energy model of a solar dish-Stirling system considering the cleanliness of mirrors

A validated energy model of a solar dish-Stirling system considering the cleanliness of mirrors

A review of sustainable solar irrigation systems for Sub-Saharan Africa

Development of a solar concentrator with tracking system

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