OPTIMIZATION OF STIRLING AND ERICSSON CYCLES USING SOLAR-RADIATION

A model is considered in this paper which consists of: (i) a source of radiation (the sun); and (ii) two energy converters. The first conver ters, an absorber, transforms the solar radiation into heat while the second one, a Stirling or Ericsson cycle engines, uses heat lo produce mechanical work. Polarization coefficients were introduced to charact erize the radiation emitted by the sun and the converter. The maximum conversion efficiency of sunlight into work was determined. Considerat ion of thermal equilibrium allowed a relationship between the polariza tion coefficients to be derived.