G.T. Reader

The literature of Stirling engines

The extensive collection of literature on Stirling engines accumulated over the past half century is reviewed. The principal sources of information and the core literature are covered, and, for those new to the subject, guidance regarding availability and access to the data is provided.<<ETX>>

Excitation Of A Fluidyne Tuning Line

The fluidyne, or liquid piston Stirling engine, incorporates liquid columns as displacers and pistons in a heat engine type which can be used in conjunction with low-grade heat sources to provide useful work in the form of liquid pumped over a modest head. The liquid feedback type of fluidyne offers particular advantages including the absence of moving mechanical parts; this type of machine incorporates a liquid column to divert a small quantity of cycle work which is then used to re energise the displacer of the engine which must supply all of the pumping work of the engine. Previous research has demonstrated the import ance of correct design of the mixing of the liquid of the tuning line and the displacer. In this paper the results of an exDeriment are reported which demonstrate the response of the two liquid columns to tho varying system pressure which is both the consequence of engine operation as well as the means bv which the svstem is actuated.

Tuning line excitation of displacer motion in a fluidyne

The fluidyne, or liquid-piston Stirling engine, which incorporates liquid columns as displacers/pistons in a heat engine to convert low-grade heat into useful work, is discussed. The advantages of this type of machine include potential for low cost, low maintenance, reliability, and self-starting capability. These factors are typically offset by poor thermal efficiency and low specific power. Experiments designed to differentiate between possible models of displacer excitation are described. The results point to possible improvements of tuning line design.<<ETX>>

Stirling power for AUVs

The market potential for AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) for civil, naval, and recreational use is discussed. Breadboard calculations based on actual data illustrate the great improvements which could be made to both commercial and military AUVs if their electrochemical batteries were replaced by Stirling systems. These improvements are examined, and some examples of AUVs using Stirling engines are given. It is contended that whether these systems are adopted depends on the rate of exploitation of offshore resources and the adoption of a particular military strategy.<<ETX>>

Problems associated with the use of synthetic atmosphere diesels in naval submarines

The concept of closed-cycle diesel engines and the advantages of using such a conventional power source to provide power reliably in a harsh environment have been discussed. The problems attending the use of such systems are highlighted and the attempted solutions appraised. Current research trends and themes are identified, and new ideas for solving the fundamental problems are presented. The roles that future closed-cycle diesel systems will have to fulfil are discussed in the light of projected work and operational requirements.<<ETX>>

Energy System Selection for Small Underwater Vehicles

The oceans cover almost three-quarters of the earth’s surface and provide a highway for commerce or conquest and constitute a rich source of nutrients, materials and energy. The exploration and exploitation of oceanic resources accelerated in the 1970s because of the emerging offshore oil and gas industry. The extraction and national protection of these and other resources will increase rapidly in the next century and in support of these activities one of the most useful tools will be the small underwater vehicle. However, if these vehicles are to carry out the envisaged tasks in a cost-effective and mission-effective manner they will require high performance energy systems. A number of such systems are being developed and the problem arises as which one to select for a particular task. In this paper the development of software based techniques for the selection of energy systems is described.

International trends in Stirling engine technology development: ISEC 1982-8

A brief survey is presented of trends in work reported at four International Stirling Engine Conferences held during the 1980s. The discussion covers international participation, publication sources and types, engine types, specialized engines, sponsoring institutions and observed trends.<<ETX>>

International Contributions To Stirling Cycle Machine Technology

The IECEC has been since 1966 the major forum for the dissemination of Stirling Cycle machine technology. Only once in the twenty-four year history of the IECEC has a paper not been presented which dealt with the Stirling. In total between 1966 and 1989 over 500 hundred papers have been published involving more than 1000 authors from 18 different countries. Interest in the Stirling has increased dramatically over the years, and shows no sign of abating. The IECECs must take much credit for this continued interest since the papers presented over the years represent the bulk of the modern literature dealing with Stirling technology. This paper is a review of this literature.

Naval architectural and power system selection for underwater vessels

An algorithm was developed to enable the tradeoffs between a vessels hydrodynamic design, its mission requirements, and the chosen power system to be identified. Attention was especially focused on developing, within the overall algorithm, a method for the selection of an appropriate power system from a menu of alternatives. The outcome of the first phase of the study was the development of a computer program which enables the designer to specify a mission profile, in terms of a speed-time characteristic, define a vessel type based on an input file of the physical dimensions or select one from a large menu of known commercial or military vessels; assess the relationship between the vessels hydrodynamic characteristics and its power system requirements using different paradigms; and identify the relative merits and performance of different power systems. The development of this program and the algorithm on which it is based are discussed.<<ETX>>

Energy Conversion for commercial underwater vehicles

This paper describes the rapid increase that has and will continue to take place in the exploration and exploitation of the oceans for commercial purposes. Such forays into the harsh underwater environment require the use of advanced manned and unmanned intervention submersibles. An assessment of current in-use submersibles and their energy systems is detailed followed by a review of developments in advanced energy systems and how well such systems may meet future operational requirements.