The use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models significantly extends the capabilities for the detailed analysis of the complex heat transfer and gas dynamic processes that occur in the internal gas circuit of a Stirling engine by more accurately predicting the engine’s performance. This accurate data on operational characteristics of the engine can then contribute to more precise calculations of the dimensions of a parabolic concentrator in a dish/Stirling engine installation. In this paper a successful axisymmetric CFD simulation of a solar “V”-type Stirling engine is described for the first time. The standard $κ-ε$ turbulence model, with a moving mesh to reflect the reciprocating motion of the pistons, has been employed for the analysis of the engine’s working process. The gas temperature and pressure distributions and velocity fields in the internal gas circuit of the machine have been obtained and the pressure-volume diagrams have been calculated. Comparison of the numerical results produced from the axisymmetric CFD simulation of the engine’s working process with those computed with the use of second-order mathematical analysis shows that there are considerable differences. In particular, analysis of the data obtained indicates that the gas temperature in the compression space depends on the location in the cylinder for the given moment in the cycle and it may differ substantially from being harmonic in time.

1.
Mancini
,
T.
,
Heller
,
P.
et al.
, 2003, “
Dish-Stirling Systems: An Overview of Development and Status
,”
ASME J. Sol. Energy Eng.
0199-6231,
125
(
2
), pp.
135
151
.
2.
Walker
,
G.
,
,
G.
,
Fauvel
,
O. R.
, and
Bingham
,
E. R.
, 1994,
The Stirling Alternative: Power Systems, Refrigerants and Heat Pumps
,
Gordon and Breach
, New York.
3.
Finkelstein
,
T.
, 1965, “
Simulation of a Regenerative Reciprocating Machine on an Analogue Computer
,”
Proceedings of the SAE International Congress on Automotive Engineering
, 11–15 January, Detroit, Paper 949F SAE.
4.
Tew
,
R.
,
Jeffries
,
K.
, and
Miao
,
D. A.
, 1978, “
A Stirling Engine Computer Model for Performance Calculations
,” US DOE/NASA Report TM-78884.
5.
Urieli
,
I.
, and
Berchowitz
,
D. M.
, 1984,
Stirling Cycle engine Analysis
,
, Bristol.
6.
Makhkamov
,
K.
, and
Ingham
,
D. B.
, 1999, “
Analysis of the Working Process and Mechanical Losses in a Stirling Engine for a Solar Power Unit
,”
ASME J. Sol. Energy Eng.
0199-6231,
121
, pp.
121
127
.
7.
Makhkamov
,
K.
, and
Ingham
,
D. B.
, 1999, “
Two-Dimensional Model of the Air Flow and Temperature Distribution in a Cavity-Type Heat Receiver of a Solar Stirling Engine
,”
ASME J. Sol. Energy Eng.
0199-6231,
121
, pp.
210
217
.
8.
Hirsch
,
C.
, 1990,
Numerical Computation of Internal and External Flows
, Vols.
1–2
,
Wiley
, New York.
9.
Hoffmann
,
K. A.
, and
Chiang
,
S. T.
, 2000,
Computational Fluid Dynamics
, Vols.
I–III
, Engineering Education System, Kansas, USA.
10.
Bejan
,
A.
, 1998, “
Convective Heat Transfer in Porous Media
,”
Transport Phenomena in Porous Media
,
Ingham
,
D. B.
and
Pop
,
I.
, eds.,
Pergamon
, Oxford.