Novel Free-Piston Stirling Engine: Development of Numerical Simulation Models and Design of an Adapted Test Bench

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Free-Piston Stirling Engines are devices that generate mechanical power from thermal sources. That system can be used, for example, in remote areas where an electrical grid is not available. Free-Piston Stirling Engines have several technical advantages over typical Stirling Engines, i.e., gas leakage is reduced and no lubrication is required. Indeed, Free-Piston Stirling Engines have no crankshaft, and they use gas spring and electro-magneto-mechanics phenomena to guide the pistons. However, few data are available in literature about the performance of that kind of engine, and there is no guideline to design an engine with specified power output values. Hence, researches are required to understand the complexes phenomena that occur in Free-Piston Stirling Engine and to allow that technology to become commercially viable. The main objective of that project is to develop new tools for analyzing and designing Free-Piston Stirling Engines. To reach that objective, the project will have two topics: (i) the development of new mathematical and numerical models, and (ii) the development of an adaptable test bench able to measure the performance of various engine designs. The development of new numerical tools will allow scientists and companies to understand the complex transient phenomena that occur in these engines, and to identify the most influential design parameters on the engine performance. Moreover, the development of a novel test bench will allow scientists and companies to measure with precision the performance of the engine and to locate inefficiencies in the engine. The industrial partner will be able to use the numerical and experimental tools developed during that project to design and commercialize a Free-Piston Stirling Engine of 2kW and higher. Their products will have technical advantages over typical Stirling Engines commercialized by their competitors. Finally, Canada will benefit from that project due to the training of highly qualified personnel in the energy sector, and due to the competitive advantages granted to Canada industries concerning Stirling Engine design.