Applicability study of regenerator matrix using sintered metal fiber for Stirling Engine - Analysis using Schmidt model-

Abstract

We focus on the high-porosity characteristics of sintered metal fiber matrix for Stirling engine regenerator. In order to measure its basic characteristics as regenerator, we measured heat transfer characteristics and pressure drop in comparison with stacked wire-mesh matrix. From the measurement results, sintered metal fiber matrix shows lower flow resistance and either equaling or surpassing heat transfer performance than stacked wire-mesh matrix. From the measured data, we obtained the relational expression between the Nusselt and Reynolds numbers and between the friction factor and Reynolds number for each porosity level of the SMF matrix. The estimation of the indicated thermal efficiency using a simple Schmidt model shows a positive performance of the SMF matrix.