Stirling Engine Cycle Efficiency
Naddaf, Nasrollah (2012)
Hämeen ammattikorkeakoulu
2012
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2012102214547
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2012102214547
Tiivistelmä
ABSTRACT
This study strives to provide a clear explanation of the Stirling engine and its efficiency using new automation technology and the Lab View software. This heat engine was invented by Stirling, a Scottish in 1918. The engine’s working principles are based on the laws of thermodynamics and ability of volume expansion of ideal gases at different temperatures. Basically there are three types of Stirling engines: the gamma, beta and alpha models.
The commissioner of the thesis was HAMK University of Applied Sciences under the direct supervision of the engineering physics unit. The study focuses on a beta type engine model (388-232), which is located in the Automation engineering laboratory. The engine is coupled with a small generator for transforming heat energy to electrical energy. The heating energy is provided by a special resistor inside the cylinder.
Lab View software and hardware conduct the measurements and control the station. Measureable variables are defined and their instantaneous values are transferred by suitable sensors to a hardware module which can communicate with the interface through a communication card which is located in the computer.
Measured values for: pressure, volume and other parameters are connected to the Lab View software through a communication card. The data is processed by a program consist of seven loops with each loop performing a certain function relative to the other loops. A friendly user interface has been designed so that the user can see the measured values either graphically or numerically on the screen. Main values include: input power, output power, efficiency, rpm and temperature as well as the PV diagram. Another tab shows analytical and detailed measurements.
All protective and security issues have been taken into account in the program through the use of automation functions and logics available in the Lab View environments. Automation system has a great impact on the process outcome. Using powerful interface software to monitor current conditions of the process equipment or their components enables users to analyse the behaviour of a variable from different points of view. It makes it easy to take the right decision based on the conditions in a system.
This study strives to provide a clear explanation of the Stirling engine and its efficiency using new automation technology and the Lab View software. This heat engine was invented by Stirling, a Scottish in 1918. The engine’s working principles are based on the laws of thermodynamics and ability of volume expansion of ideal gases at different temperatures. Basically there are three types of Stirling engines: the gamma, beta and alpha models.
The commissioner of the thesis was HAMK University of Applied Sciences under the direct supervision of the engineering physics unit. The study focuses on a beta type engine model (388-232), which is located in the Automation engineering laboratory. The engine is coupled with a small generator for transforming heat energy to electrical energy. The heating energy is provided by a special resistor inside the cylinder.
Lab View software and hardware conduct the measurements and control the station. Measureable variables are defined and their instantaneous values are transferred by suitable sensors to a hardware module which can communicate with the interface through a communication card which is located in the computer.
Measured values for: pressure, volume and other parameters are connected to the Lab View software through a communication card. The data is processed by a program consist of seven loops with each loop performing a certain function relative to the other loops. A friendly user interface has been designed so that the user can see the measured values either graphically or numerically on the screen. Main values include: input power, output power, efficiency, rpm and temperature as well as the PV diagram. Another tab shows analytical and detailed measurements.
All protective and security issues have been taken into account in the program through the use of automation functions and logics available in the Lab View environments. Automation system has a great impact on the process outcome. Using powerful interface software to monitor current conditions of the process equipment or their components enables users to analyse the behaviour of a variable from different points of view. It makes it easy to take the right decision based on the conditions in a system.