Development of solar and micro co-generation power installations on the basis of Stirling engines

In this paper the research activities of the Laboratory for Stirling Engines at the Physical-Technical Institute, Tashkent on the development of solar and micro cogeneration power installations with Stirling engines are described. Schematic sketches and design and performance parameters of a 1 kW dish/Stirling engine unit with a parabolic concentrator and of a solar water pump installation, incorporating a Stirling engine with liquid pistons and a set of flat solar water collectors, are presented. Recently the Laboratory has started to work on the creation of 1 and 3 kW micro cogeneration installations on the basis of Stirling engines for the use in both urban and rural areas. Simplified schemes of the engine designs and systems for the electricity and hot water supply and for heating, which are incorporated in the micro cogeneration installation, for operation in a stand-alone mode are described. The Stirling engines which are under the development are of the "V"-type with sealed and dry crank-cases and built-in three-phase induction alternators or they are fuelled by natural gas.