Thermal-flow analysis of a simple LTD (Low-Temperature-Differential) heat engine

A combined thermal and flow analysis was carried out to study the behavior and performance of a small, commercial LTD (Low-Temperature-Differential) heat engine. Laminar-flow solutions for annulus and channel flows were employed to estimate the viscous drags on the piston and the displacer and the pressure difference across the displacer. Temperature correction factors were introduced to account for the departure from the ideal heat transfer processes. The analysis results indicate that the work required to overcome the viscous drags on engine moving parts and to move the displacer is much smaller than the moving-boundary work produced by the power piston for temperature differentials in the neighborhood of $20^{\circ}C$ and engine speeds below 10 RPS. A comparison with experimental data reveals large degradations from the ideal heat transfer processes. Thus, heat-transfer devices inside the displacer cylinder are recommended.