Investigation of Regenerator Matrix Through Figure of Merit Analysis

To choose the adequate regenerator, that gives the highest Stirling engine performances, different compromises must be considered. The figure of Merits is a powerful tool to evaluate and compare the performance of different Stirling engine regenerator matrices. The figure of merits is usually defined as the ratio between the heat transfer performance and the pressure drop losses through the regenerator matrix. The figure of merits can be obtained too by calculating different rations of pressure drop ΔPPm of regenerator volume VdrVE and for regenerator loss Q.tQ.r F M S C = 1 Δ P P m V d r V E Q . t Q . r In this study the experimental results of various Gamma Stirling engine metallic wire regenerator matrices are presented. The figure of merit parameter will be estimated to determine the adequate regenerator. Then the FMSC was used to determine the best regenerator porosity and the optimal operation parameters.