An Approximate Solution for the Thermal Performance of a Stirling-Engine Regenerator

Abstract

An approximate closed-form solution for the thermal performance of a Stirling-engine regenerator is derived. The solution is for sinusoidal mass flow rate and sinusoidal pressure variation with a phase angle relative to the mass flow. The solution provides the net enthalpy flux along the regenerator and the change of phase between the mass flow and the pressure. The method is similar to the one developed by Rea [1], and the results agree well with his experimental data.