Development free-piston Stirling test-bed engine

A free-piston Stirling engine driving a linear alternator has been developed to evaluate the potential of this power conversion system. Under Department of Energy funding, the engine has completed the initial test phase and has achieved the design power output. Development testing was conducted to improve power and efficiency. Near-term testing will be directed at evaluation of losses associated with the displacer seal clearance, regenerator porosity, and compression space wetted area. 2 refs.