抄録
A test model of a free piston Stirling engine (FPSE) converter was developed as a heat-to-electricity power converter for a demonstration of solar heat energy utilization at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, for future aerospace applications. Based on these achievements, prototype models of the FPSE for household use were designed and tested as part of a project supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization. The final goal of the project is to contribute to environmental protection by realizing a household cogeneration system suitable for Japanese residences. To achieve this, it is necessary to develop a compact Stirling converter with high efficiency and low emission. High system efficiency can be expected when compared with conventional engines because the FPSE does not have mechanisms such as a crank or cam. Therefore, the authors have been focusing on realizing a highly efficient FPSE converter for the cogeneration system. The development of 400 W class prototype model that can be installed in the cogeneration system is ongoing.
