Alternative Energy in Egypt

TRACK-X: PARABOLIC DISH STIRLING ENIGNE SYSTEM
Track-X: Parabolic dish-Stirling engine system
Nayera H. Elsaady, Radwa M. Abdelaal, Hatim M. Saad, Rawan A. Elkhishen
& Mohamed A. Abdel Latif
Physics Department
Nile University
Track-X: Parabolic dish-Stirling engine integrated system
Table of Contents
List of figures ............................................................................................................................................... 3

List of tables................................................................................................................................................. 4
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 5
Background and Literature review ........................................................................................................... 6
1. Renewable energies ............................................................................................................................. 6
1.1. Renewable energy resources ...................................................................................................... 6
1.2. Source of energy in Egypt .......................................................................................................... 7
1.3. Egypt's share of renewable energy ............................................................................................. 9
2. Solar energy ......................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1. Photovoltaic Electricity (PV cells) ........................................................................................... 10
2.2. Concentrated solar power (CSP) ............................................................................................. 11
3. CSP technologies ............................................................................................................................... 11
3.1. Parabolic Trough system ......................................................................................................... 12
3.2. Compact linear Fresnel reflector (CLFR) .............................................................................. 12
3.3. Power tower system .................................................................................................................. 13
3.4. Parabolic dish system ............................................................................................................... 14
Selection of solution .................................................................................................................................. 15
1. Parabolic dish design ........................................................................................................................ 16
2. Receiver and Stirling engine ............................................................................................................ 17
3. Tracking system ................................................................................................................................ 27
Methodology .............................................................................................................................................. 30
Results ........................................................................................................................................................ 31
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................. 32
References .................................................................................................................................................. 33
2
List of figures
Figure 1 Showing the total consumption of several unrenewable resources in Egypt from the
years 1990 to 2016…………………………………………………………………………….... 8
Figure 1 Showing the generation of energy from 3 renewable resources in Egypt from 1990 to
2016…………………………………………………………………………………….……….. 9
Figure 2 Showing the process in which Hydrogen atoms combine to form a helium atom and
energy……………………………………………………………………………………..…..... 10
Figure 3 Showing how energy from the Sun it turned to current …………………………….... 10
Figure 5 showing a schematic diagram for the parabolic trough system ………………….…... 12
Figure 6 showing schematic diagram of the Fresnel lens system……………..………………... 13
Figure 7 showing schematic diagram for the solar tower system……………………………..... 13
Figure 8 showing an illustration of the parabolic dish system ……………………………………... 15
Figure 9 showing a two 2D illustration of the Parabolic Dish and all the dimensions associated
with it………………………………………………………………………………………….... 16
Figure 10 showing the Pressure-Volume graph of an actual Stirling engine……………...….... 17
Figure 11 showing an illustration of the Stirling engine from the inside .....……………...….... 21
Figure 12 showing the mechanism of the Stirling engine .....................…………………...…... 22
Figure 13 showing an illustration of the gamma engine .…………………………….………... 23
Figure 14 relation between path of the piston and the angel of the flywheel ……………..…... 24
Figure 15 showing the crank angle ............................................................................................. 25
Figure 16 showing a schematic diagram for single tracking system……………….………….. 28
Figure 17 showing a schematic diagram for dual tracking system……………………….…..... 28
Figure 18 showing a schematic diagram for the tracking system parts………………………... 29
3
List of tables
Table (1) concludes the major differences between the four CSP systems …………………… 14
Table (2) showing Capability factor of several fluids ………………………………………… 20
Table (3) shows a simplified demonstration for the difference between the single & the double
(dual) axis systems…………………………………………………………………………….. 28
4
Introduction
Once an exporter of oil and gas, Egypt is now struggling to meet its own energy needs. Whilst
Egypt has proven oil reserves of 4.4 billion barrels and proven natural gas reserves of 78 trillion
cubic feet, an ever-increasing percentage of its daily production is being used to meet the country’s
growing energy needs.
However, Egypt’s demand for electricity is growing rapidly and the need to develop alternative
power resources is becoming ever more urgent. It is estimated that demand is increasing at a rate
of 1,500 to 2,000MW a year, as a result of rapid urbanization and economic growth. Egypt has
been suffering severe power shortages and rolling blackouts over the past years, necessitating the
requirement to look to alternative energy options to help meet increasing demand.
Other causes of energy crisis resemble in overconsumption, overpopulation, poor infrastructure,
delay in commissioning of power plants, wastes of energy and other subsides.
The concept of renewable energy is not new to Egypt. In 1986, Egypt’s New & Renewable Energy
Authority (NREA) was established to act as the national focal point for expanding efforts to
develop and introduce renewable energy technologies on a commercial scale. Since then, a number
of governmental organizations have been set up to help promote and develop policies to encourage
the growth of the renewable energy industry, yet there have been problems concerning the
efficiencies achieved relative to the costs of the plants constructed.
5
This paper will discuss the application of a concentrating solar power system; a parabolic dish that
reflects the radiations and heats a fluid in a receiver. The receiver is a Stirling engine-based
application, the expansion of the fluid by heat produces work, and thus the required energy.
The research will mainly focus on the best approaches to increase the efficiency of the system with
a relatively low price, producing an effective product that can be suitable for a real-life application.
This product would be a catch to many business companies, mechanical and renewable industries
and governmental organizations and could be considered as a basic research for further works by
students, researchers, or any party that might consider it of importance
Background and Literature review
1. Renewable energies
Alternative energy source is any source of energy that doesn't belong to traditional energy sources.
Traditional energy source are fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Renewable energy is energy
from sources that are naturally replenishing but flow-limited. They are virtually inexhaustible in
duration but limited in the amount of energy that is available per unit of time. In this section we
are introducing brief ideas of some techniques commonly used as alternatives for fossil fuels.
1.1.Renewable energy resources
- Biomass: Biomass fuels come from things that once lived, wood products, dried
vegetation, crop residues, aquatic plants and even garbage. When living organisms die,
chemical energy gets trapped inside them, which is usually released by burning and can be
converted into biomass energy.
6
- Hydropower: producing energy using the flow of water.
- Geothermal: When hot water or steam is trapped in cracks and pores under a layer of
impermeable rock, it forms a geothermal reservoir, that can be used to produce energy.
- Wind: Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power that
can be used for specific tasks or a generator can convert this mechanical power into
electricity
- Solar: harnessing the sun’s radiations to produce energy. The topic will be later discussed
in detail.
Other types include hydrogen fuel cells, piezo electric, and some applications of Nanotechnology.
1.2.Source of energy in Egypt
Egypt’s energy production from the fossil fuels has the upper hand as it produces about 97.9% of
Egypt’s total energy according to the Knoema data in 2017. The rest is produced from renewable
energy recourses in Egypt (solar and wind, not including hydro power).
Fossil energy sources, including oil, coal and natural gas, are non-renewable resources that formed
when prehistoric plants and animals died and were gradually buried by layers of rock. Over the
past 20 years, nearly three-fourths of human-caused emissions came from the burning of fossil
fuels to produce electricity.
7
Figure 1 Showing the total consumption of several unrenewable resouces in Egypt from the years 1990 to 2016
Figure 2 Showing the generation of energy from 3 renewable resources in egypt from 1990 to 2016
8
1.3. Egypt's share of renewable energy
Hydro: Hydroelectricity has played a role in electricity generation in Egypt for decades. Projects
such as the Aswan Dam produce 15,300GWh a year, or roughly five to ten per cent of Egypt’s
annual energy needs. As 85 per cent of Egypt’s hydropower potential has already been developed,
this is not regarded as a premier growth sector and the Government’s focus has been directed more
towards the wind and solar energy sectors.
Solar: Due to its location, topography and climate, Egypt has an average level of solar radiation
of between 2,000 to 3,200kWh per square meter a year, giving it significant potential for utilizing
this form of renewable energy. To date, however, uptake of solar projects has been slow due to
high capital costs. In 2010, Egypt’s only major solar power project was commissioned in
Kuraymat. The plant is a 140MW solar thermal combined cycle power plant of which 20MW is
from solar energy.
Wind: Egypt’s best-developed wind region so far is the Zafarana district, with average wind
speeds of around 9 m/s. The project (which is owned and operated by NREA) consists of a series
of linked wind farms, the first of which started construction in 2001.
2. Solar energy
Solar energy is in the lead of the energy reaching Earth. The sun makes energy in its inner core in
a process called nuclear fusion. In this process, as seen in figure 3 hydrogen isotopes combining
to form a helium atom with a transformation of matter in from of radiant energy. It takes the sun’s
energy just a little over eight minutes to travel the 93 million miles to Earth.
9
Only a small part of the visible radiant energy (light) that the sun emits into space ever reaches
the Earth, but that is more than enough to supply all our energy needs.
Figure 3 Showing the process in which Hydrogen atoms combine to form a helium atom and energy
Until now, there are only two ways to use this energy, by solar concentrators to use the sun's heat
directly or certain cells which transform the light to direct electric current. In other words, solar
radiation can be converted either into thermal energy (heat) or into electrical energy. Two ways to
make electricity from solar energy are photovoltaics and concentrated solar power.
2.1.Photovoltaic Electricity (PV cells)
Electricity is produced when radiant energy from the sun strikes the solar cell, causing the electrons
to move around as seen in figure 4. The action of the electrons starts an electric current. The
conversion of sunlight into electricity takes place silently and instantly.
Figure 4 Showing how energy from the Sun it turned to current
10
There are no mechanical parts to wear out. Compared to other ways of making electricity,
photovoltaic systems are expensive, and many panels are needed to equal the electricity generated
at other types of plants.
Disadvantages of PV are that most of the energy that reaches a cell in the form of sunlight is lost
before it can be converted into electricity. Maximal sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiencies
for solar cells range up to 30% (and even higher for some highly complex cell designs), but typical
efficiencies are 10%-15%. Given their manufacturing costs, modules of today’s cells incorporated
in the power grid would produce electricity at a cost roughly 3 to 6 times higher than normal prices.
2.2.Concentrated solar power (CSP)
Concentrating solar power technologies use different configurations to concentrate the sun’s light
energy onto a receiver and convert it into heat. The heat can then be used to create steam to drive
a turbine to produce electrical power or used as industrial process heat. Concentrating solar power
plants can integrate thermal energy storage systems to use to generate electricity during cloudy
periods or for hours after sunset. These attributes make concentrating solar power the most
attractive renewable energy option in the world’s sunbelt regions. The advantage of the CSP over
the PV cells is that it produces a higher efficiency, scalable to a 100MW+ level, and the operating
costs are relatively low.
3. CSP technologies
I. Parabolic trough (PT)

II. Compact linear Fresnel lens (CLFR)
III. Solar power tower
IV. Parabolic dish
11
3.1.Parabolic Trough system
In parabolic trough collector, long, U-curved mirrors focus the rays of the sun into an absorber
pipe. The mirrors track the sun on one linear axis from north to south during the day. The pipe is
seated above the mirror in the center along the focal line and has a heat-absorbent medium (mineral
oil, synthetic oil, molten salt etc.) running in it. The sun’s energy heats up the oil, which carries
the energy to the water in a boiler heat exchanger, until reaching a temperature of about 400°C.
The heat is transferred into the water, producing steam to drive turbine.
Figure 5 showing a schematic diagram for the parabolic trough system
3.2.Compact linear Fresnel reflector (CLFR)
CLFR uses the principles of curved-mirror trough systems, but with long parallel rows of lower-
cost flat mirrors. These modular reflectors focus the sun's energy onto elevated receivers, which
consist of a system of tubes through which water flows. The concentrated sunlight boils the water,
generating high-pressure steam for direct use in power generation and industrial steam
applications.
12
Figure 6 showing schematic diagram of the Fresnel lens system
3.3.Power tower system
Power tower or central receiver systems utilize sun-tracking mirrors called heliostats to focus
sunlight onto a receiver at the top of a tower. A heat transfer fluid heated in the receiver up to
around 600ºC is used to generate steam, which, in turn, is used in a conventional turbine-generator
to produce electricity.
Early power towers, such as the Solar One plant, utilized steam as the heat transfer fluid; current
designs use molten salts because of superior heat transfer and energy storage capabilities.
Figure 7 showing schematic diagram for the solar tower system
13
3.4.Parabolic dish system
Parabolic dish systems consist of a parabolic-shaped point focus concentrator in the form of a dish
that reflects solar radiation onto a receiver mounted at the focal point. These concentrators are
mounted on a structure with a two-axis tracking system to follow the sun. The collected heat is
typically utilized directly by a heat engine mounted on the receiver moving with the dish structure.
Stirling and Brayton cycle engines are currently favored for power conversion.
Parabolic Trough Solar Tower Fresnel Lens Stirling Dish
Plant peak efficiency 21% 24% 20% 29 %
(%)
Concentration (sun) 80 – 90 300 – 1000 25 – 100 1000 – 3000
Capacity (MW) 10 – 200 10 – 200 10 – 200 0.01 – 0.04
Thermal storage Yes Yes Yes Yes
Capacity factor (%) 20 - 50% 34 – 70% 20 - 25 - 30%
Land use 6 – 11 4–9 8 – 20 8 – 12
( 𝑚2 mw ℎ−1 𝑦 −1 )
Operating 250 – 400 250 – 565 270 550 – 750
temperature ( degree
Celsius)
Table (3) concludes the major differences between the four CSP systems
14
Selection of solution
The parabolic dish systems consists of a parabolic reflector in the form of a dish with a supporting
structure, Stirling engine mounted in the focus of the parabolic dish to receive solar radiation, and
a generator to generate electrical energy. Throughout the day, solar parabolic dishes is directed
toward the sun automatically using tracking control system.
The system description can be divided it to three main parts:
1. Solar dish concentrator and structure.
2. Receiver and Stirling engine.
3. Solar tracking system.
Figure 8 showing an illustration of the parabolic dish system
15
1. Parabolic dish design
The design is a parabolic-dish shape, and the following equations are used to calculate the
measurements of the dish and the dimensions of the receiver will be built upon them.
The first step, is deciding the aperture diameter of the concentrating dish 𝐷𝑐𝑜𝑛.
The second step, calculating the aperture area of the dish concentrator 𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑛. , which is the total
surface area of concentrator upon which solar energy is incident:
𝜋 2
𝐴𝑐𝑜𝑛. = 𝐷 𝑐𝑜𝑛. [1]
4
The rim angle ∅𝑟𝑖𝑚 is defined as the ration of the focal length to the aperture diameter, as shown
in figure 10. It is the angle measured at the focus from the axis to the rim of the solar parabolic
concentrator.
Figure 9 showing a two 2D illustration of the Parabolic Dish and all the dimensions associated with it
16
The reflected radiations are focused on a specific point; the focus, and thus determining the focal
length is essential. The focal length 𝑓 is defined as the distance from the vertex to the focus point;
the point where all the reflected radiations are collected. It is calculated by the equation:
𝑓 1
= [2]
𝐷𝑐𝑜𝑛. ∅
4 tan( 𝑟𝑖𝑚
2 )
The height of the concentrator ℎ is the maximum vertical distance between the vertex of the
parabola and the end of the aperture, which is calculated by:
𝐷2 𝑐𝑜𝑛.
ℎ= [3]
16 𝑓
2. Receiver and Stirling engine
2.1.Physics of Stirling engine
The Stirling engine is a heat engine, which means that it produces mechanical work form thermal
engine. The Stirling Engine consists of 4 thermodynamic processes:
1. ISOTHERMAL (Expansion)
2. ISOVOLUMETRIC (Heat Rejection)
3. ISOTHERMAL (Compression)
4. ISOVOLUMETRIC (Heat Addition)
These processes construct a closed cycle that result
in work which is the area enclosed in figure 11

Figure 10 showing the Pressure-Volume graph of
an actual Stirling engine
17
Work is not done during the isovolumetric processes as the equation of work is
𝑊 = 𝑃∆𝑉 [4]
Where W is work done by gas, P is the pressure of the gas and ∆𝑉 is the change of volume of the gas. Thus
they are not physically seen processes (heat addition and heat rejection). The work comes from the
isothermal process, where:
𝑉𝑓 [5]
𝑄 = 𝑊 = 𝑁𝑅𝑇 ln ( )
𝑉𝑖
Q is the is the thermal energy gained by the gas, N is the number of moles of the gas, R is the Universal
Gas Constant, T is the temperature in kelvin and 𝑉𝑓 and 𝑉𝑖 are the final and initial volumes of the gas.
So, by subtracting the work gained with work lost, the theoretical work from Stirling engine is
𝑉𝑓 [6]
𝑁𝑅𝑇 ln ( 𝑉 ) (𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑇𝑚𝑖𝑛 )
𝑖
Although the actual work gotten from the Stirling engine is less than that due to work lost in fluid friction,
thermal losses , etc.
Efficiency of the Stirling engine:
𝜇 = 𝑊/𝑄𝐻 [7]
Where 𝜇 is the efficiency and 𝑄𝐻 is the thermal energy given to the gas
The thermal energy given to the gas can be calculated:
𝑄 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝑇 [8]
Where m is was of working fluid inside the engine, c is its specific heat capacity and ∆T is change
in temperature.
18
For an ideal Stirling engine:
[9]
𝑉𝑓 𝑉𝑓 𝑉𝑓
𝜇𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑡 = [𝑁𝑅(𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥 ) ln ( ) − 𝑁𝑅(𝑇𝑚𝑖𝑛 ) ln ( )] /𝑁𝑅(𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥 ) ln ( )
𝑉𝑖 𝑉𝑖 𝑉𝑖
𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝜇𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑜𝑡 = 1 − [10]
𝑇𝑚𝑖𝑛
The temperatures of the working fluid would be assumed to be the same as temperatures of the
hot and cold side of the Stirling engine.
The efficiency of the Carnot cycle cannot be surpassed, although the actual efficiency of the
Stirling engine can be increased by certain ways.
Ways to increase Efficiency:
(A) Capability factor:
A major aspect that affects the efficiency of the Stirling engine is the working fluid, the
Capability factor is a number that we can use to compare the performance of the working fluids.
𝜆
𝐶= [11]
𝑐𝜌
Where C is the capability factor, 𝜆 is the thermal conductivity, c is the specific heat capacity and
𝜌 is the density. The best working fluid has high thermal conductivity, low specific heat capacity
and low density. Working fluid has to flow fast with low friction, to transfer the heat as fast as
possible.
19
Table 4 showing Capability factor of several fluids

Working Fluid Capability Factor/m2s-1
Air (300k) 1.9*10-5
Water 0.056*10-5
Hydrogen 7.0*10-5
Helium 8.2*10-5
Neon 2.6*10-5
(B) Temperature Difference
Using the equation [10] we can deduce that the bigger the temperature difference, the higher the
maximum efficiency is. So just by giving the engine more heat and cooling it with a lower
temperature, not only do we increase the Work output, but we increase the overall efficiency of the engine.
Calculating Power Output:
To calculate the power output of a Stirling engine from a rotating wheel:
𝑊
𝑃= 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑊 = 𝐹𝑑 [12]
𝑡
𝐹𝑑 [13]
𝑃=
𝑡
Where P is the Power Output, F is the Force applied, d is the distance and t is the time
𝑑 = 𝑟𝜃 [14]
Where d is the distance moved in a circle, r is the radius and 𝜃 is the displacement angle
20
𝜃
𝑃 = 𝐹𝑟( ) [15]
𝑡
𝜃
Where 𝑡 is the Angular velocity (𝜔) and 𝐹𝑟 is the torque (𝜏)
𝜔 = 2𝜋𝑓 [16]
Where f is the frequency
𝑅𝑝𝑚 = 60𝑓 [17]
Where Rpm is rounds per minute. So,
𝑅𝑝𝑚 [18]
𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 = 2𝜋( )𝜏
60
2.2.Kinematics of Stirling engines:

Mainly the kinematics of the stirling engine consists of two pistons ( working and transferring)
with two volumes (compressive and expansive) inside, connected together through cooler,
regenerator and warmer. The engine could be designed in three forms (fig. 11 and 12):
where 1 is expansive volume, 2 is compressive volume, 3 is warmer, 4 is regenerator and 5 is
cooler.
Figure 11,
21
Figure 12,
1. Point 1 to point 2 in. The working piston is in the lower position; compressive volume is large
and cold. The transferring piston is in the higher position, expansive volume is near zero. The
working piston moves upward, the compressive volume decreases but due to cooling the gas
keeps its low temperature.
2. Point 2 to point 3. The working piston is in the higher position; compressive volume is small
and cold. The transferring piston moves downward and presses the gas from compressive
volume through warmer to expansive volume. The total volume keeps the temperature and
pressure increase.
22
3. Point 3 to point 4. The transferring piston is in the lower position; the compressive volume is
near zero. The working piston moves downward drawing the gas from expansive volume
through warmer to increasing compressive volume. Due to warming the gas keeps its high
temperature.
4. Point 4 to point 1. The working piston is in the lower position. The transferring piston moves
upward pressing the rest of the gas from expansive volume through cooler to the compressive
volume. The total volume keeps, due to cooling, the temperature decreases.
The path of both pistons is similar as explained in fig. 13; the working piston is late in the phase.
The faster the transferring piston moves from one position to another, the more efficient the
engine is.
Figure 13
A Gamma Stirling engine:
Compared to Alpha and beta, gamma Stirling engine is much simpler in structure. Beta Stirling
engine in which the displacer and power piston is mounted in a separate cylinder but still connected
to the same flywheel, which require more heat energy to start working; On the other hand, Gamma
stirling engine works with low heat source.
23
The working process of a Stirling engine starts by heating the engine with an external heat source
at the hot side of the engine.
The gas inside the engine will expand upon heating thus push out the displacer piston inside the
cylinder and provide power stroke by the displacer piston. By doing so, the gas will flow around
the displacer piston and move toward the cold side of the engine through the regenerator, before
moving to cold side of the engine, the heat exchanger or regenerator will cool down the hot gas
thus causing it to condense. Flywheel then turns and powering a second sealed piston known as
power piston to recycle the gas back to the hot side where the same process is repeated over and
over again.
Figure 14,
24
Calculation for Gamma Stirling engine:
1. Volume for Displace VSE , and Power Piston VSC :
𝜋 2
𝑉𝑆𝐸 = × (𝐵𝑑𝑝 ) × 𝑆𝑑𝑝 [19]
4
𝜋 2 [20]
𝑉𝑆𝐶 = × (𝐵𝑝𝑝 ) × 𝑆𝑝𝑝
4
Where 𝐵𝑑𝑝 and 𝐵𝑝𝑝 are the diameter of both pistons respectively known as bore. For 𝑆𝑑𝑝 is the
distance in which the piston will travel from TDC (Top dead center); the top most position of the
piston toward the cover; similarly, 𝑆𝑝𝑝 is the distance in which the piston will travel from BDC
(Bottom dead center); the lowest position of the piston toward the crank end of the cylinder.
2. Expansion space volume, 𝑉𝐸 :
Expansion volume is the volume located inside the expansion space
𝑉𝑆𝐸 [21]
𝑉𝐸 (∝) = . (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ∝)
2
Where ∝ is the crank angle: the angle of the crank shaft with the horizontal line as in fig. 15
Figure 15, (0 ≤∝≤ 360)
3. Compression space volume, 𝑉𝐶 :
Compression space is defined as the space between the power piston and displacer. Thus, for the
calculation of compression space volume,𝑉𝐸 it will includes volume of displacer piston, 𝑉𝑆𝐸 .
𝑉𝑆𝐸 𝑉𝑆𝐶 [22]

𝑉𝐶 (∝) = . (1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ∝) + . (1 − cos(∝ −90))
2 2
25
4. Total dead volume 𝑉𝐷 :
The total dead volume, represent by Equation is the sums of dead volume inside the expansion and
compression cylinder and the regenerator space.
𝑉𝐷 = 𝑉𝐸 + 𝑉𝐶 + 𝑉𝑅 [23]
𝑉 𝑉 𝑉
𝑇𝐷 = (𝑇𝐸 + 𝑇𝐶 + 𝑇𝑅 )/( 𝑇𝐸 + 𝑇𝐶 + 𝑇𝑅) [24]
𝐸 𝐶 𝑅
5. Total mass of working gas, 𝑚:
The total mass of the working gas in regards to the mass of the expansion, compression and
regenerator space, respectively.
𝑚 = 𝑚𝐸 + 𝑚 𝐶 + 𝑚𝑅 [25]
𝑝 𝑉𝐸 𝑉𝐶 𝑉𝑅 𝑝 𝑉𝐷
𝑚= ( + + )= .
𝑅 𝑇𝐸 𝑇𝐶 𝑇𝑅 𝑅 𝑇𝐷 [26]
𝑉𝐸 𝑉𝐶 𝑉𝑅
Where 𝑇𝐷 = (𝑇𝐸 + 𝑇𝐶 + 𝑇𝑅 )/( + + )
𝑇𝐸 𝑇𝐶 𝑇𝑅
The following equation will be substitutes in order to calculate the pressure:
𝑇𝐶 [27]
𝑡=
𝑇𝐸
𝑉𝑆𝐶 [28]
𝑣=
𝑉𝑆𝐸
𝑇𝐶 𝑉𝐷 [29]
𝑠= .
𝑇𝐷 𝑉𝑆𝐸
[30]
𝐵 = 𝑡 + 1 + 𝑣 + 2𝑠
𝐴 = √(𝑡 2 − 2𝑡 + 1 + 2(𝑡 − 1). 𝑣. 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑 + 𝑣 2 )
𝐶 = 𝐴/𝐵
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜑
𝛿 = arctan (𝑣. )
𝑡 − 1 + 𝑣. 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑
26
Where φ is the phase angle between the displace and power piston.
6. The mean average engine pressure:
2𝑚. 𝑅𝑇𝐶
𝑝=
𝑉𝑆𝐸 . 𝐵. √1 − 𝐶 2
7. Maximum and minimum pressure:
√1 + 𝐶
𝑝𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑝
√1 − 𝐶
√1 − 𝐶
𝑝𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑝
√1 + 𝐶
3. Tracking system
The unique feature of the solar tracking system is that instead of taking the earth as its reference,
it takes the sun as a guiding source. Its active sensors constantly monitor the sunlight and rotate
the panel towards the direction where the intensity of light is at the maximum point. Its job is to
sense the change of the sun's position.
The end-user will prefer the tracking solution rather than a fixed ground system because:
The efficiency increases by 30-40% (= more money). The space requirement for a solar park is
reduced, and they keep the same output. The return of the investment timeline is reduced The
tracking system amortizes itself within 4 years (on average). There are two types of the tracking
systems; single axis & double axis. The parabolic trough uses the single-axis tracking system as it
increases the efficiencyy of the system & it costs much less than the dual-axis.
27
Single axis tracking system Double axis tracking system
Mechanism Single-axis allows an array to rotate Dual-axis tracking systems can pivot
about a vertical axis thereby both horizontally (like the single-axis)
changing the azimuth angle. This and vertically (changing the tile angle).
increases the production of energy This allows a solar energy system on a
as the panels can absorb more pole mount, for instance, to be
radiation as the sun traverses from perpendicular to the sun's radiation
east to west in the sky. regardless of the time of the day or
seasonal variation.
Illustration
Figure 16 showing a schematic Figure 17 showing a schematic
diagram for single tracking diagram for dual tracking system
system
Cost & reliability Single axis offers lower cost and Dual axis comes at the price of higher
higher reliability since there are complexity and lower reliability (more
fewer things that can go wrong over down time and more maintenance) than
the life of the system which may be single axis.
expected to exceed 20years or more.
Table (3) shows a simplified demonstration for the difference between the single & the double
(dual) axis systems.

28
Tracking system parts:
Typically the principal elements of a generic solar tracking system (see Fig. 40) are a sensor, which
detects the relative position of the Sun, A control unit, including a differential amplifier, in which
the signals generated by the sensor are processed; and a DC motor, activated by the control unit to
rotate the collector troughs to the desired angle via a mechanical tracking rod.
Figure 18 showing a schematic diagram for the tracking system parts.
The control logic:
The control logic is the formula used to calculate the best position to capture maximum solar
energy. The position may be calculated just once using the latitude and time of the year. Or it may
be calculated continuously based on input from a sensor that detects the sun’s position.
The used sensing devices:
- One or more of the following sensing devices may be used as input to the control logic:
- Pyranometer to measure light intensity
- Temperature, pressure and humidity sensors to maximize efficiency
- Limit switches to sense the motion of the PTs
- Wind speed sensors to protect the PTs against high winds
29
Methodology
1. Parabolic dish design:
2. Tracking system design:
3. Stirling engine design:
30
Results
31
Conclusion and future work
32
References
[1]Hijazi, H., Mokhiamar, O. and Elsamni, O. (2016). Mechanical design of a low cost parabolic
solar dish concentrator. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 55(1), pp.1-11.
[2] Chahoud, M. (2014). Parabolic dish collector for domestic purposes with novel receiver
design. GSTF Journal of Engineering Technology, 3(1).
[3] Alarcón, J., Hortúa, J. and Lopez G., A. (2013). Design and construction of a solar collector
parabolic dish for rural zones in Colombia. TECCIENCIA, 7(14), pp.14-22.
[4] Iea.org. (2019). Egypt. [online] Available at: https://www.iea.org/countries/Egypt/ [Accessed
14 Apr. 2019].
[5] Eia.gov. (2019). Egypt - International - Analysis - U.S. Energy Information Administration
(EIA). [online] Available at: https://www.eia.gov/beta/international/analysis.php?iso=EGY
[Accessed 14 Apr. 2019].
[6] Marsh, Jacob. “Solar Tracker | Energy-Sage.” Solar News, Energy-Sage, 29 Jan. 2019,
news.energysage.com/solar-trackers-everything-need-know/.
[7] E. Hossain, R. Muhida, and A. Ali, “Eﬃciency improvement of solar cell using compound
parabolic concentrator and sun tracking system,” in Electric Power Conference, 2008. EPEC 2008.
IEEECanada, pp. 1–8, IEEE, 2008. [6] C.K. Lo, Y. S. Lim, and S. Y.Kee, “Improvement.
33

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TRACK-X: PARABOLIC DISH STIRLING ENIGNE SYSTEM

Track-X: Parabolic dish-Stirling engine system

Nayera H. Elsaady, Radwa M. Abdelaal, Hatim M. Saad, Rawan A. Elkhishen

& Mohamed A. Abdel Latif

List of figures ............................................................................................................................................... 3

(dual) axis systems…………………………………………………………………………….. 28

growing energy needs.

requirement to look to alternative energy options to help meet increasing demand.

Other causes of energy crisis resemble in overconsumption, overpopulation, poor infrastructure,

delay in commissioning of power plants, wastes of energy and other subsides.

efficiencies achieved relative to the costs of the plants constructed.

students, researchers, or any party that might consider it of importance

Background and Literature review

1.1.Renewable energy resources

converted into biomass energy.

- Hydropower: producing energy using the flow of water.

1.2.Source of energy in Egypt

fuels to produce electricity.

1.3. Egypt's share of renewable energy

towards the wind and solar energy sectors.

from solar energy.

of linked wind farms, the first of which started construction in 2001.

2.1.Photovoltaic Electricity (PV cells)

conversion of sunlight into electricity takes place silently and instantly.

Figure 4 Showing how energy from the Sun it turned to current

at other types of plants.

before it can be converted into electricity. Maximal sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiencies

2.2.Concentrated solar power (CSP)

costs are relatively low.

I. Parabolic trough (PT)

3.1.Parabolic Trough system

Figure 5 showing a schematic diagram for the parabolic trough system

3.2.Compact linear Fresnel reflector (CLFR)

Figure 6 showing schematic diagram of the Fresnel lens system

3.3.Power tower system

Figure 7 showing schematic diagram for the solar tower system

3.4.Parabolic dish system

Parabolic Trough Solar Tower Fresnel Lens Stirling Dish

Plant peak efficiency 21% 24% 20% 29 %

Concentration (sun) 80 – 90 300 – 1000 25 – 100 1000 – 3000

Capacity (MW) 10 – 200 10 – 200 10 – 200 0.01 – 0.04

Thermal storage Yes Yes Yes Yes

Capacity factor (%) 20 - 50% 34 – 70% 20 - 25 - 30%

Land use 6 – 11 4–9 8 – 20 8 – 12

Operating 250 – 400 250 – 565 270 550 – 750

toward the sun automatically using tracking control system.

The system description can be divided it to three main parts:

1. Solar dish concentrator and structure.

2. Receiver and Stirling engine.

3. Solar tracking system.

Figure 8 showing an illustration of the parabolic dish system

1. Parabolic dish design

surface area of concentrator upon which solar energy is incident:

parabola and the end of the aperture, which is calculated by:

2. Receiver and Stirling engine

2.1.Physics of Stirling engine

engine. The Stirling Engine consists of 4 thermodynamic processes:

2. ISOVOLUMETRIC (Heat Rejection)

4. ISOVOLUMETRIC (Heat Addition)

These processes construct a closed cycle that result

in work which is the area enclosed in figure 11

isothermal process, where:

thermal losses , etc.