How Does A Stirling Engine Function And Effectiveness In Solar Thermal Technology For Energy Generation
Stirling is extremely simple heat exchange engine and function by low temperature change within two end plates. First plate is heated at one end of the engine and second is cooled on the other end, resulting in the air to expand near the hot plate (high temperature) whereas air compress at the second surface (low temperature). Expansion and compression of air within the engine cylinder enables the movement of piston in up and downward motion within the two plates into a cycle. This efficient heat engine was created by Robert Stirling in 1816 as an alternative to steam engines at that time and a big achievement in heat engine technology.
What Drives Stirling Engine?
An ideal model for learning the basics of a Stirling engine consists of a close cylinder which contains two metal plates(aluminium) at two ends. One displacer is placed within the plates which is connected to a flywheel by a string to provide mechanical energy during upward motion. Any plate is heated for example; bottom plate, the air near that surface expands and causing the displacer to proceed up direction. On the other hand flywheel connected to a tiny piston which takes the mechanical energy of flywheel and push the displacer to help in downward motion. When displacer is at top position the tiny piston goes downward resulting the compressed air to fill the displacer to move down. Making a loop of up and down movement of both displacer and piston, causing the cyclic movement of flywheel.
What is Solar Thermal?
For solar thermal technology we use heat energy of sun light for mechanical energy to run a turbine to produce electricity. Stirling engine follow clearly the similar intention and they are strong solar power producers and produce clean renewable energy. Stirling Engines are used in solar thermal technology as part of solar dishes in which huge parabolic mirrors reflects the sunlight towards one focal point where Stirling engine is placed this drives by using this heat from sunlight and giving mechanical energy to generate electric power. Solar thermal dishes are used for both residential and commercial energy production. Stirling engine supported solar dishes for residential are smaller in size and produces normally 1-2 kW of electricity. Whereas in commercial usage a huge Stirling Engine backed solar dish produce up to 25kW (kiloWatt) of electricity.
Your geographical location is important in making decision if solar dishes are best selection. Stirling solar is best choice for users in areas with enough sunlight throughout the year but not so good for places that receive much snow and not much sun.
A great way to learn this interesting engine is to purchase a small do-it-yourself Stirling engine model. For further reading kindly read stirling engine history and basics as well as it’s use in renewable energy.
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