STIRLING SOLAR TECHNOLOGY.
Stirling engine, recuperation of waste heat is a key to achieving high efficiency. Therefore, waste heat exhausted from the turbine is used to preheat air from the compressor. A schematic of a single-shaft, solarized, recuperated Brayton engine is shown in Figure 5. The recuperated gas turbine engines that are candidates for solarization have pressure ratios of approximately 2.5, and turbine inlet temperatures of about 850oC (1,562ºF). Predicted thermal-to-electric efficiencies of Brayton engines for dish/Brayton applications are over 30% [9,10]. The commercialization of similar turbo-machinery for various applications by Allied Signal, Williams International,Capstone Turbines Corp., Northern Research and Engineering Company (NREC), and others may create an opportunity for dish/Brayton system developers. Ancillary Equipment Alternator: The mechanical-to-electrical conversion device used in dish/engine systems depends on the engine and application. Induction generators are used o...