Performance analysis of a Gamma type Stirling engine using three different solar concentrators

ABSTRACT This paper reports the performance characteristics of a gamma type Stirling engine using three different types of solar concentrators i.e. a Fresnel lens, a parabolic concentrator with aluminium foil having an array of mirrors pasted on it assembled with a double convex lens at its focal point and the third one, the same parabolic concentrator attached with a Fresnel lens in replace of a double convex lens at its focal point. Out of the three concentrators, the best possible results were obtained from the Fresnel lens attached to the parabolic concentrator with aluminium foil having temperature range between 80 ? 95 °C. The maximum torque is 1.52 Nm obtained using Fresnel lens attached at the focal point of a parabolic concentrator with aluminium foil having an array of mirrors at 181 rpm and maximum shaft power is 35.16 Watt at 280 rpm.