Performance of Stirling Refrigerator using Nitrogen as Working Fluid

(Performance of wire screen and new matrix materials used as regenerator)

Abstract

High-pressure helium is often used as the working fluid of Stirling refrigerators. Because, helium has a small molecular weight, which reduces pressure loss in piping sections. However, helium has been in short supply in recent years and its price is high. In this work, the performance of a two-piston alpha type Stirling engine operated as a motor-driven refrigerator was measured using nitrogen as an alternative working fluid. Also, the performance of conventional wire screen and a new type of matrix material called mesh sheet were compared as matrix materials for the regenerator.