Power optimization of an extra-terrestrial, solar-radiant stirling heat engine

The power output and thermal efficiency of a finite-time, optimized, extra-terrestrial, solar-radiant Stirling heat engine have been studied. The thermodynamic model adopted is a regenerative gas Stirling cycle coupled to a heat source and heat sink by radiant heat transfer. Both the heat source and sink are assumed to have infinite heat-capacity rates. Expressions are obtained for optimum power and efficiency at optimum power for a cycle based on higher and lower temperature bounds.