Analysis and optimization of beta-type Stirling engine taking into account the non-ideal regenerator thermal and hydraulic losses effects

In this paper, numerical solution of beta-type Stirling engine was presented considering its non-ideal regenerator. To this end, the second-order model including thermal and hydraulic losses of regenerator was used and their effect on the output power and efficiency of the engine was obtained. Then, a numerical code was used for calculating dimensional and functional optimum values of regenerator. To confirm the obtained result, the functional and geometrical parameters of the engine made by General Motors Corporation called GPU-3 were used. According to the obtained results, the values of hydraulic and thermal losses in the regenerator were considerable and led to the decrease in the engine power and efficiency by 23% and 8%, respectively. Using the obtained results and numerical code, the amounts of porosity, frequency and length of the regenerator were suggested as less than 0.7, 35 Hz and 24 mm, respectively, in the optimum physical and geometrical conditions of the engine.: