Construction and analysis of a prototype Stirling engine for energy recovery from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine
Karoliny Eler Oliveira Santos1; Carolina Locatelli Vago1; Diogo Alcides Fantecele1; Luan Júlio Rodrigues dos Santos1; Eduardo dos Santos Caetano1; Juliana Gobeti Calenzani1; Filipe Arthur Firmino Monhol1
1 Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo - IFES
doi:10.20906/CPS/COB-2015-2435
Resumo
The Stirling cycle provides greater efficiency than conventional gas cycles because its thermal efficiency is equal to carnot efficiency. The Stirling engine, inspired in the stirling cycle, has the peculiarity of having externally added heat, which makes it possible to generate work from various heat sources (solar, biomass, exhaust gases, among others). In the current global energy scenario there is a need to develop technologies that allow obtaining useful energy through alternative sources, and the Stirling engine appears as a viable option. The objective of this work is the development of a prototype Stirling engine Gamma that provides mechanical energy from the exhaust gases of a stationary motor and its conversion to electricity through a direct current generator coupled to the shaft Stirling engine. The prototype manufacturing process includes machining, CAD modeling and 3D printing parts, beyond the reuse of components of electrical and electronic devices. Tests conducted after the construction of the prototype showed some design failures especially in relation to seal and friction between the parts. Some important data such as engine rotation range, minimum working temperature and thermal efficiency were obtained. The tests for the validation of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy showed that improvements in the prototype design and appropriate selection of the generator can make the project viable for applications in low-power loads.
Palavras-chave: Stirling engine; Alternative energy; 3D printing ; Energy recovery; Energy efficiency