1. Historical Background

Abstract:

The Stirling engine was invented by Scottish minister Robert Stirling in 1816 as a closed-cycle engine capable of converting heat into mechanical work. Originally designed for industrial and domestic applications, the Stirling engine operated on temperature differentials rather than combustion, making it inherently safer and quieter than traditional steam engines. With the advent of renewable energy technologies in the 20th century, engineers explored the integration of parabolic dish solar concentrators with Stirling engines to create high-efficiency solar power systems. Early prototypes in the 1980s demonstrated the feasibility of electricity generation using concentrated solar thermal energy, though practical implementation faced challenges related to cost, material durability, and control systems.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, technological advances in high-precision mirrors, heat exchangers, and Stirling engine design led to the development of compact, residential-scale SDSE systems. Researchers focused on enhancing optical efficiency, improving engine thermodynamic cycles, and integrating energy storage to mitigate intermittency. These innovations have expanded the applicability of SDSE technology from large-scale solar power plants to smaller residential and community-based systems.

2. Technical Principles and Operation

An SDSE system typically consists of three main components: a parabolic or dish-shaped solar concentrator, a heat receiver, and a Stirling engine connected to an electrical generator. The solar concentrator focuses sunlight onto the receiver, which absorbs thermal energy and transfers it to the working gas (often helium or hydrogen) within the Stirling engine. As the gas undergoes expansion and compression cycles, it drives the engine’s pistons, generating mechanical work that is converted to electricity via a generator.

Key performance parameters include optical efficiency (the fraction of sunlight captured and delivered to the receiver), thermal efficiency (the effectiveness of heat transfer to the working fluid), and mechanical-to-electrical conversion efficiency. SDSE systems benefit from high theoretical efficiencies—often exceeding 30–35% in small-scale residential systems and up to 40% in large-scale installations—significantly higher than typical photovoltaic systems, which average 15–20%. Additionally, the system can be equipped with thermal energy storage, allowing electricity generation during cloudy conditions or at night, a significant advantage over PV-only systems.

3. Applications in Residential Energy Systems

Residential deployment of SDSE systems offers multiple advantages. Homes in regions with high solar insolation, such as Mafraq in Jordan, can generate a substantial portion of their energy needs using SDSE technology. A typical household consumes approximately 622.25 kWh per month, with seasonal variations in energy demand. Research shows that electricity consumption peaks in winter months, such as February, due to increased heating requirements, and is lowest during late spring, such as May. By aligning SDSE operation with these patterns and local electricity tariffs, homeowners can optimize cost savings and reduce dependence on grid electricity.

Beyond electricity generation, SDSE systems can be integrated into hybrid renewable systems, complementing photovoltaic panels or wind turbines. Their high efficiency and storage capability also make them suitable for rural areas and off-grid communities, where consistent power supply is critical. Furthermore, SDSE systems have potential applications in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, enabling the use of locally generated renewable energy to power transportation infrastructure.

4. Economic and Environmental Impact

Economic feasibility is a critical consideration for residential SDSE systems. The cost of system components—including concentrators, Stirling engines, and thermal storage—must be weighed against expected savings in electricity bills. Studies demonstrate that even moderately efficient SDSE systems can achieve favorable payback periods when optimized for local weather conditions and electricity pricing.

Environmentally, SDSE systems offer significant benefits. By displacing grid electricity produced from fossil fuels, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Their operation produces no direct emissions, and the use of recyclable and durable materials minimizes the environmental footprint. Adoption of SDSE technology supports energy independence and contributes to national goals for renewable energy integration and carbon emission reduction.

5. Case Study: Residential SDSE in Mafraq, Jordan

A recent study evaluated the installation of an SDSE system on a residential building in Mafraq. The study considered local solar irradiation, monthly energy consumption patterns, and electricity tariffs. SDSE optical efficiencies ranging from 50% to 98% were analyzed to determine optimal system configuration. The research included an hourly assessment of energy consumption versus electricity prices, identifying periods when grid electricity costs were highest.

Results indicated that SDSE systems could generate sufficient electricity to meet the household’s monthly energy demand, with peak production coinciding with peak solar intensity and high utility prices. Even during cloudy periods, the Stirling engine’s thermal storage capability allowed partial energy generation, demonstrating the system’s robustness and reliability. Sensitivity analysis further highlighted that improving optical efficiency directly enhanced energy production and economic returns.

6. Recent Advances and Research Directions

Recent advancements in SDSE technology focus on enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and integrating with smart grid infrastructure. Innovations include:

• Optical Improvements: Advanced mirror materials with higher reflectivity and durability improve solar concentration and overall system efficiency.

• Engine Optimization: Stirling engines with improved thermodynamic cycles, low-friction components, and enhanced heat exchangers increase power output.

• Hybrid Systems: Integration with batteries or PV systems enables continuous energy supply, balancing generation and consumption.

• Control Systems: Smart algorithms optimize operation under variable weather and partial shading, ensuring maximum electricity production.

• Distributed Generation: SDSE systems are being deployed in microgrids, allowing communities to share locally generated renewable energy and reduce reliance on centralized power infrastructure.

7. Influence on Science, Technology, and Society

SDSE systems represent a convergence of mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering. They advance the field of renewable energy by demonstrating practical high-efficiency thermal-to-electric conversion. In addition, residential adoption of SDSE technology promotes energy literacy, sustainability awareness, and community-level resilience. Governments and policymakers can leverage SDSE deployment to achieve renewable energy targets, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and mitigate climate change impacts.

8. Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite their advantages, SDSE systems face several challenges, including high initial capital costs, maintenance requirements, and the need for precise installation and alignment of concentrators. Research is ongoing to develop cost-effective materials, modular designs, and automated alignment systems to overcome these barriers. The future of SDSE technology includes scaling production, integrating with urban building design, and expanding hybrid energy solutions combining solar, storage, and grid interactions.

9. Conclusion

Solar Dish Stirling Engine systems provide an efficient, sustainable, and versatile approach to residential energy generation. By leveraging concentrated solar energy and the high-efficiency Stirling cycle, these systems offer reliable electricity production even under variable weather conditions. Studies in Jordan and similar regions demonstrate the potential for SDSE technology to reduce household energy costs, lower carbon emissions, and support renewable energy goals. Continued innovation, combined with decreasing component costs and advanced control strategies, is likely to enhance the adoption and impact of SDSE systems in residential and community applications worldwide.

The primary purpose of this research is to determine the most economical approach to installing a solar dish Stirling engine (SDSE) system on a building for residential purposes in Mafraq while taking into account the local weather, usual monthly consumption of energy and the prices charged by the local powered utility. The house uses an average of 622.25 kWh of energy every month, with the highest consumption in February and the lowest in May. A range of optical efficiencies between 50% and 98% are used to mount the SDSE system. This study evaluated the relationship between the price of electrical energy and the amount of power consumed to identify the times of day when energy consumption is highest. Another approach relevant to consider is solar power, which likewise varies across the whole year. When the available intensity of the sun and power rates are at their peak, an SDSE system is regarded as a feasible solution for fulfilling the energy requirements. This is because SDSE systems can still make electricity even during cloudy days. This work also includes a comprehensive analysis of the solar power that an SDSE receives and the generated electrical power.