Charge pressure effects in kinematic Stirling engines

Recent results showing how the mechanical efficiency of reciprocating kinematic heat engines depends on the relationship between the engine workspace pressure and the external or buffer space pressure are used to determine the effects on the performance of Stirling engines when the workspace is charged with the buffer pressure fixed. Curves showing the response of shaft output to workspace charge are obtained. A general theorem is introduced, proved, and used to show that the description of charge pressure effects given here is complete. The result is a more thorough understanding of pressurization effects in Stirling engines