CFD modelling and parametric study of small scale Alpha type Stirling Cryocooler

In this paper, a small-scale Stirling Cryocooler is developed using computational fluid dynamics through COMSOL Multiphysics 5.3. The model has been validated using experimental data from an Alpha type Stirling engine reported in the literature. Extensive parametric study was carried out to investigate the effect of various parameters such as operating speed and phase angle with the aim of optimizing the Cryocooler design parameters and operating conditions. Results showed that there exists an optimal value for the regenerator porosity 50%, phase angle 900 and heat exchanger lengths 142mm where 455W cooling power was obtained at heat sink temperature of 193K.Whereas increasing the speed and pressure resulted in an increase in cooling power at the heat sink.