STIRLING ENGINE DESIGN

Stirling engine design

Stirling Engine Design

Introduction

The Automotive Stirling Engine Development Program is directed at the development of technology and knowledge related to the application of Stirling engines to automotive use, and the transfer of Stirling engine technology to the United States. The high efficiency and low emissions potential of the Stirling engine makes it a prime candidate for automotive propulsion. This contract is directed towards developing the necessary technology, by 1984, to demonstrate these potentials. MTI, the prime and systems contractor, is responsible for overall program management, alternative and high risk component and systems development, engine and vehicle testing and evaluation, computer code development, and transfer of Stirling engine technology to the United States (Knoll, 1983, pp. 47).

The engine development program is based upon the extensive technological achievements, capabilities, and background knowledge in Stirling engines of KB United Stirling (Sweden) AB & Co. (USS), acting as a subcontractor to MTI. AM General Corporation (AMG), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Motors Corporation, is the subcontractor responsible for automotive selection, design, integration, and evaluation of Stirling engines installed in passenger cars.

Work Breakdown Structure

1.0 Reference Engine

1.1 Initial Technology assessment

1.2 Reference Engine System

1.2.1 Project Engineering

1.2.2 USS Engineering assistance

1.2.3 AMG Engineering Assistance

1.2.4 Reference Engine Analysis

1.2.5 Advanced concepts studies

2.0 Component & Subsystems development

2.1 Combustion technology development

2.2 Heat exchanger technology development

2.3 Material Development

2.4 Mechanical Component development (seals)

2.5 Mechanical Component development (Power chain)

2.6 Controls technology development

2.7 Auxiliaries development

2.8 USSW projects

2.9 USSW component and subsystems development

2.9.1 Baseline engine

2.9.2 ASE mod 1 engine

2.9.2.1 External heat system

2.9.2.2 Hot engine system

2.9.2.3 Cold engine system

2.9.2.4 Engine Drive system

2.9.2.5 Control and Auxiliaries

2.9.2.6 Stirling Engine systems

2.9.2.7 Vehicle Applications

3.0 Technology Familiarization

3.1 P-40 Programs

3.1.1 Project Engineering

3.1.2 MFG and Assemble Engines

3.1.3 Evaluate engines

3.2 Test facility at MTI

3.2.1 Maintenance and repair

Gantt chart

PERT & Critical Path Method

PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) and CPM (Critical Path Method) are two techniques that provide network-based precedence relations and interdependence of activities.

With an activity-on-branch network, dummy activities may be introduced for the purposes of providing unique activity designations and maintaining the correct sequence of activities. A dummy activity is assumed to have no time duration and can be graphically represented by a dashed line in a network. Several cases in which dummy activities are useful are illustrated in Fig. 10-1. In Fig. 10-1(a), the elimination of activity C would mean that both activities B and D would be identified as being between nodes 1 and 3. However, if a dummy activity X is introduced, as shown in part (b) of the figure, the unique designations for activity B (node 1 to 2) and D (node 1 to 3) will be preserved. Furthermore, if the problem in part (a) is changed so that activity E cannot start until both C and D are completed but that F can start after D alone is completed, the order in the new sequence can be indicated by the addition of a dummy activity Y, as shown in part (c).

Risk Management Plan

Planning is the basic function of the ...