Experimental study on liquid piston Stirling engine combined with self-rectifying turbine

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Liquid piston Stirling engines offer uncomplicated designs for thermal energy conversion.
• They operate effectively at low temperature differentials (<100°C).
• Recent interest focuses on advancing thermal generators using these engines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the characteristics of a liquid piston Stirling engine integrated with a self-rectifying turbine.
• To analyze the impact of turbine placement on engine performance and rotational dynamics.
• To understand the acoustic impedance and oscillation symmetry in the combined system.

Main Methods:

• Experimental analysis of a liquid piston Stirling engine with an integrated self-rectifying turbine.
• Measurement of rotational speed and axial flow velocity.
• Determination of acoustic impedance in the duct section.

Main Results:

• Turbine installation in the water region resulted in unidirectional rotation, proportional to axial flow velocity.
• Acoustic impedance analysis showed increased real part with axial velocity, indicating energy loss.
• Turbine integration disrupted engine oscillation symmetry.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the fundamental characteristics of liquid piston Stirling engines with self-rectifying turbines.
• Findings suggest turbine placement is critical for unidirectional rotation and efficiency.
• Future designs require symmetrical turbine installation for optimal performance in thermal energy conversion applications.