In this study, the results of simulations generated from different thermodynamic models of Stirling engines are compared, including characterizations of both instantaneous and indicated operative parameters. The aim was to develop a tool to guide the decision-making process regarding the optimization of both the performance and reliability of Stirling engines, such as the 2.9 kW GENOA 03 unit—the focus of this work. The behavior of the engine is characterized using two different approaches: an ideal isothermal model, the simplest of those available, and analysis using the ideal adiabatic model, which is more complex than the first. Some of the results obtained with the referred ideal models deviated considerably from the expected values, particularly in terms of thermal efficiency, so a set of modifications to the ideal adiabatic model are proposed. These modifications, mainly related to both heat transfer and fluid friction phenomena, are intended to overcome the limitations due to the idealization of the engine working cycle, and are expected to generate results closer to the actual behavior of the Stirling engine, despite the increase in the complexity derived from the modelling and simulation processes.

The Stirling engine is a simple type of external-combustion engine with an external combustion engine based on cyclic compression and expansion of gas at different temperature levels. It has high efficiency; low vibration levels, simple structure and can run on any combustible fuels. It has been the object of numerous studies. This paper presents an analysis of a Stirling engine model GENOA 03 for electric power generation, of 3 KW of nominal power with pressurized air as working fluid, currently under development. To improve its performance and ensure a good operational reliability, it is necessary to carry out a modelling of the engine in all its operating range. This requires complex numerical models that simulate the behaviour of any element of the engine in a cycle. Two typologies of thermodynamic models are developed in this work: isothermal and adiabatic. The main benefits and shortcomings of each model are mentioned. The geometry and conditions of the engine have been adapted through the Matlab ® tool, in order to obtain the operative conditions of the cooler that you want to replace, as well as an approximation to the expected behaviour.