Preliminary design of the kinematic Stirling engine using dynamic similarity and quasi-static simulation

This paper presents a preliminary design method based on dynamic similarity and quasistatic simulation. The proposal improves methods based on Beale and West correlations and provides the engine speeds corresponding to the maximum indicated powers and the achievement of indicated power maps. The dimensionless factor of indicated power losses provides a new viewpoint for engine analysis and design. In support of the method, experimental GPU-3 test results have been reanalysed, proving the accuracy of maximum indicated power predictions and providing values of the dimensionless factor of indicated power losses. Scaling factors corresponding to strict dynamic similarity are supplied for several typical cases. Similarity relaxation criteria are also recommended to be used when strict dynamic similarity leads to inadequate specifications for the derivative. Some numerical examples illustrate the method.