Major Papers

Keywords

CHP, exergy, Stirling engine, exergy destruction

Abstract

With the increasing demand for energy, it has become imperative to look for better and more efficient systems. Combined heat and power systems can provide the required power output while also utilizing the waste heat to increase the overall efficiency of the system. This study analyzed a 1 kW WhisperGen Combined Heat and Power system powered by a Stirling engine. A thermodynamic analysis of the engine was performed to understand the losses occurring within it. In addition, the WhisperGen engine was analyzed in terms of its exergy losses through an advanced exergy analysis on the different components of the engine. The first law efficiency of the engine was calculated to be around 67%. The exergy efficiency of the engine was 30%. The combustion chamber contributed nearly 84% of the total exergy destruction occurring in the engine. While on the other hand, the exhaust heat exchanger had the lowest exergy destruction making it the most efficient component with 45% exergy efficiency. The advanced exergy analysis provided insight into how much each component can be improved. The emphasis should be on improving the combustion chamber, since the avoidable exergy destruction in the chamber was more than 60%. Reducing the avoidable exergy destructions in the components would increase the exergy efficiency of the engine by at least 15%.

Primary Advisor

Dr. David Ting

Co-Advisor

Dr. Graham Reader

Program Reader

Dr. Nickolas Eaves

Degree Name

Master of Applied Science

Department

Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering

Document Type

Major Research Paper

Convocation Year

2021

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