To
address the challenges of high energy prices and network losses, decentralized
power generation has become essential. Stirling engines, known for their
remarkable efficiency, offer an economically viable solution by harnessing
solar energy, which is not suitable for internal combustion engines. Solar
Stirling engines have the potential to be commercialized and utilized for
decentralized electricity generation on a small to medium scale. A critical
aspect of setting up an efficient solar Stirling engine system is the selection
and design of the collector. This research aims to develop a novel hybrid parabolic
dish system integrated with a Stirling engine and thermal storage. The
installation of this hybrid design is complex and has been divided into three
main sections: (a) the parabolic Stirling system (2m2), (b) the
parabolic thermal receiver system (6m2), and (c) the phase-change
materials thermal storage system that connects both systems. An in-depth study
has been conducted on a meticulously designed 50-watt solar parabolic collector
optimized for Stirling engines, with the incorporation of optical energy
storage and thorough thermal analysis. In this setup, solar energy is
concentrated and directed towards a fluid-filled pipe through a mirror
arrangement. Solidworks software was employed to determine collector
parameters, considering geographic, temporal, and environmental conditions,
fluid inlet temperature, and other relevant factors. The results demonstrate
that the Stirling engine exhibits oscillating performance in response to
temperature fluctuations. Testing confirms that the prototype model achieved a
net output power of up to 50 W at a temperature of 330 ℃, effectively storing
energy and extending production capabilities until midnight. While initial
experiments yielded unsatisfactory production power, the integration of an
additional 4 hours of operation with the thermal control system significantly
improved performance.
