ABSTRACT
The efficiency of the ideal Stirling cycle is the same as that of a Carnot cycle operating between the same temperatures. Stirling engines have recently received increased attention, because they can utilize concentrated solar energy, which can be produced by parabolic concentrators. Stirling engines have also recently been developed for cryogenic applications, and the advances in that field can be applied to solar-driven Stirling systems. The choice of a working fluid for Stirling engine depends mainly on the thermal conductivity of the gas in order to achieve high heat transfer rates. Air has traditionally been used as the working fluid. In a kinematic engine, the power piston is connected to the output shaft by a connecting rod crankshaft arrangement. Stirling engines can provide very high efficiencies with high-concentration solar collectors. The differences in the commercial systems have been in the construction of the dish and the type of Stirling engine.
