ABSTRACT
The efŽciency of the ideal Sterling cycle is the same as that of aCarnot cycle operating between the same temperatures. The Sterling cycle was originally proposed by aScottish minister, Reverend Robert Sterling, as an alternative to asteam engine. Sterling engines have recently received increased attention because they can utilize concentrated solar energy, which can be produced by parabolic concentrators. Since aSterling engine is an external combustion engine, it can use any fuel or concentrated energy. Sterling engines can operate at high temperatures, typically between 600°C and 800°C, resulting in conversionefŽciency of 30%–40%. Sterling engines have also recently been developed for cryogenicapplications [1], and the advances in that Želd can be applied to solar-driven Sterling systems.
