The development and evaluation of a solar Stirling engine integrated with an annular Fresnel lens concentrator system
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan.
J Ther Eng - DOI: 10.14744/thermal.2026.1106

Abstract

The study addresses the critical energy and environmental crises by exploring renewable energy sources, with a focus on solar energy. Solar Stirling engines are particularly relevant due to their efficiency in converting solar energy into electricity. This research presents the development and evaluation of a solar Stirling engine integrated with an annular Fresnel lens concentrator system. Designed to operate within a temperature range of 370–450 °C with air as the working fluid, the engine's performance was assessed by measuring pressure drops in the regenerator and energy losses in the cylinders. Experimental results revealed that the alpha configuration prototype produced 37 watts of power with an efficiency of 26.4%. These findings underscore the engine’s effectiveness in solar energy conversion and its potential for practical applications in generating electricity. The integration of the Fresnel lens concentrator represents a novel approach not extensively covered in existing literature. The study's optimization of the engine’s design and detailed performance metrics contribute to improved efficiency and broader applicability of solar Stirling engines, offering a viable solution for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and addressing environmental challenges.