A Prototype of a Small Stirling Refrigeration Unit

This paper presents original mathematical models which can be used for the size optimization of particular elements in the design process of cooling appliances using the Stirling cycle. The models were used to design a prototype of the Stirling cooling device. The project employs a unique piston–cylinder kinematic pair which enables dry fiction work. Original platelet and ball ceramic regenerators were designed. The presented model assumes adiabatic transformations of the medium in the cylinders as this approach yields more realistic results in comparison to a simple isothermal Schmidt analysis. One cycle of the device (one rotation of the shaft) is divided into elementary angles Φ, where the state of the gas is considered as constant. As a result, states of the gas in individual components of the working space are determined in any given, discrete time steps of the Stirling cycle.