Thermoacoustics-Based Externally Heated Engine for Stand-Alone Thermal Power Plants

Abstract

Efficient power supply is still challenging. One way to address this challenge is to design a small-scale thermal power plant that can fire any fuel. Using an internal energy source helps reduce the production costs while enabling more reliable and uninterrupted power supply. The proposed power plant is designed to be dri­ven by an externally heated heat engine. The goal is to create an alternative cogeneration source of energy for remote rural consumers that can fire virtually any fuel or combustible waste. This will enable rural residents to generate electricity and heat on the spot without incurring transportation-related losses. The paper presents some results of computer simulation of an externally heated Stirling engine and discusses some of its design specifics.