Abstract
A Beta-type Stirling engine is developed and tested on the operation stability and cycle performance. The flow rate for cooling water ranges from 300 to 1500 ml/min, while the temperature of heat source changes from 300 to $500^{\circ}C$. The internal pressure, working temperatures, and operation speed are measured and the engine performance is estimated from them. In the experiment, the rise in the temperature of heat source reduces internal pressure but increases operation speed, and overall, enhances the power output. The faster coolant flow rate contributes to the high temperature limit for stable operation, the cycle efficiency due to the alleviated thermal expansion of power piston, and the heat input to the engine, respectively. The experimental Stirling engine showed the maximum power output of 12.1 W and the cycle efficiency of 3.0 % when the cooling flow is 900 ml/min and the heat source temperature is $500^{\circ}C$.