Low Power Thermodynamic Solar Energy Conversion: Coupling of a Parabolic Trough Concentrator and an Ericsson Engine

Authors : Muriel ALAPHİLİPPE, Sébastien BONNET, Pascal STOUFFS

Pages : 37-45

View : 18 | Download : 11

Publication Date : 2007-03-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This paper considers thermodynamic conversion of solar energy into electric energy insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(up to maximum 50 kWe);, presenting a very brief review of the possible systems: the ‘Dish/Stirling’ technology, which relies on high temperature Stirling engines and requires high solar energy; low temperature differential thermal engine using direct solar energy without any concentration but with very low power per unit volume or unit mass of the system; and the intermediate solar energy concentration ratio.A theoretical investigation on the coupling of a two-stage parabolic trough concentrator with a reciprocating Joule cycle air engine insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(i.e. an Ericsson hot air engine in open cycle); is presented. It is shown that there is an optimal operating point that maximises the mechanical power produced by the thermal engine. The interest of coupling a simple, low cost parabolic trough and a simple, low technology, mid-DT Ericsson engine is confirmed.
Keywords : solar energy, Ericsson engine, parabolic trough, Joule cycle engine