Optimisation of a Beta type Stirling engine for low power electricity production

International audience; The aim of this work is to achieve the realization of a Stirling engine Beta type functional and robust for producing electrical energy. This work is part of a research process to produce electrical energy "green" and distributed in cooperation with the telecommunications company Orange. This paper presents experimental results in the field of power generation from a machine intake of external heat. Different geometric and mechanical configurations have been processed by simulations in order to identify the best solutions to obtain consistent experimental results. This work is devoted to the various tests and experimental results that allow achieving energy balance. Different hot heads (geometries, materials) have helped highlight conductive heat losses. Particular attention was paid to the dynamic sealing at the engine piston and displacer. Tests showed excellent resistance to pressure without leakage of the working gas. All engine experimental operations were carried out with dry air and azote as the working gas. The Stirling engine operates with a heat source temperature from 400°C up to 800°C, with a variation of average charge pressure up to 13-15 bar for training a generator of 30 to 50 W electric powers. The speed of the engine varies between 100 and 1500 rev/min.