Abstract
The use of Stirling engine has been restrictive in view of the actual conversion efficiency, the maintenance, the product cost and the reliability. However the potential of Stirling engine comes to be focused in the sense of the global environment protection, because the recovery of manifold exhaust heats is definitely contributed to reduce CO_2 emissions. We have developed the prototype of Stirling engine with high efficiency and the simple mechanism and constitution that can realize the low cost. This recovery system of exhaust heats with prototype of Stirling engine is so compact that could be simply installed to exhaust pipe, while a general steam turbine system composed with plural complex machinery such as waste-heat boilers and steam turbines and high pressure pipes. The recovery system with Stirling engine has not only simplicity but higher efficiency than general steam turbine systems. So, this system is suited to small and middle facilities. In this paper we illustrate how to develop the 5kW Class engine and report the result of the proven test, and then discuss the durability and the reliability.
