Kinematic optimization of the Stirling engine based on increasing the output work and the constraint of the occupied space of the engine

The Stirling engine has attracted researchers' attention in recent years due to some advantages such as low noise, external combustion, and the ability to use solar and other new energy sources. Moreover, these engines can also be used in applications with a low or high-temperature difference. The type of cylinders, their arrangement, and the transmission mechanism can affect this engine's performance. On the other hand, engineers and designers are always looking to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of mechanical systems, which in engines can lead to increasing the engine's work or power. In the current study, firstly, the dimensional analysis of different types of Stirling engines is done. Then, by defining the engine's geometric parameters as the design variables, the engine's output work will be maximized using optimization algorithms. Also, in order to prevent the increase of the dimensions of the engine and its occupied space, a new constraint in the problem will be used. Kinematic optimization is applied to four different types of Stirling engines. Three algorithms, namely GA, PSO, and ICA, have been used to solve the optimization problem. The results of kinematic optimization show that the output work of the engine with optimal dimensions has increased approximately 1.45 to 4.59 times.