Optimal Distribution of Heat Transfer Conductances or Areas for Stirling Machines

An optimization method for a Stirling machine with various kinds of irreversibilities (like heat losses between source and sink, partial heat regeneration process) is presented. Using a generalized form of the heat transfer law at source and sink allows the optimization of the state point and other machine characteristics for maximum power output of the machine working as engine. The results emphasize the strong influence of the regeneration factor and of the heat transfer law form on the heat transfer conductances or areas distribution in the heat exchangers at the source and sink Various effects which distinguish results obtained with linear heat transfer law form from those for non-linear heat transfer law are discussed and suggestions for further exploration allowed by this method are made.