Theoretical and experimental performance of the Beale Free Piston Stirling engine

Abstract

The account that follows summarises a theoretical and an experimental investigation of the performance of the Beale Free Piston Stirling Engine. In the theoretical investigation, a math­ematical model was developed to permit an approximate simulation of the engine operation and provided a basis for the subsequent study of the effects of the major design parameters on the engine operation. In the experimental work, a Beale Free Piston Stirling Engine Air Pump was equipped with sufficient instrumentation to allow studies to be carried out on the effect of charge pressure and the working fluid on the engine performance. A comparison of the theoretical and experimental results has been given with consequent conclusions.