This contribution deals with the first experimental realization of a novel machine configuration that can be toggled between three different operation modes: a Stirling engine as an efficient cogeneration unit, a thermally driven Vuilleumier heat pump, and an intermediate “hybrid” cycle, combining both a heat pump effect and a mechanical power generation. Thus, a demand-oriented heat and power supply can be realized. Initially, such a machine was designed under both thermodynamic and production-oriented aspects. Subsequently, rules of similarity-based scaling have been applied to this design to reduce both experimental and manufacturing efforts. Hereby, all relevant dimensionless numbers are kept constant, such as Reynolds or Mach numbers, and particularly efficiencies and heat ratios, too. This laboratory-scale machine has been built and operated for almost 500 h. The experimental results obtained from this machine are presented and discussed, including p , V -indicator diagrams for the three operation modes and various loss phenomena (e.g., thermal losses to the ambient or friction losses in the crank mechanism). Furthermore, the results will be compared with the predictions of a one-dimensional differential simulation model. The deviations and the corrections required to account for similarity violations are discussed.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Laboratory-Scale Stirling-Vuilleumier Hybrid System Part II: Experimental Results


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2013-05-28


    Size :

    13 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English