OPTIMUM OPERATION OF A SOLAR CONVERTER IN COMBINATION WITH A STIRLINGOR ERICSSON HEAT ENGINE

We study the performances of a solar-powered heat engine operating in a Stirling or Ericsson cycle. The influence of design and climatologic al parameters on both the optimum solar receiver temperature and overa ll efficiency is considered. The following design parameters are consi dered: concentration ratio, effective absorptance-transmittance produc t for solar radiation, overall heat-loss coefficient, and receiver emi ssivity. Climatological factors considered are the solar radiation and the ambient temperature.