Integration of Stirling engines into residential boilers for combined heat and power services: Thermodynamic modelling and analysis

• The use of simulation techniques for the study of Combined Heat and Power systems based on Stirling Engines (CHP-SE) has been focused on dynamic simulations that guide the sizing of the system components. These are valuable tools for the performance evaluation of determined designs. However, there is a need to complement these studies with additional analysis that could permit to assess the design improvement and the integration of the system components. For this reason, the present work developed a model that coupled the design equations of each component with the equations that describe the thermal interactions presented in the overall system.This integration allowed to obtain a deeper insight into the thermodynamic characteristics of the overall system, and thus was used for the study of a micro CHP-SE experimental rig.  The results for this case study allowed to quantify the main energy outputs, the energy losses, and the influence of different parameters on the system. The overall efficiency under the original conditions presented values ranging from 60%-64% with very low exergy efficiencies ranging from 5%-7%. The simulation analysis permitted to identify design and operational parameters that would increase the overall efficiency to values closer to 80% and the exergy to values closer to 14%. These increments would correspond to the reduction of the energy losses, improvements on the conditions for the biomass combustion, and the use of engines with higher electrical outputs. 

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Energiteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Energy Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Stirling engine; Combined Heat and Power

Energiteknik

Energy Technology

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

ovr (subject category)