SBIR Phase I: Solar Thermal Stirling Combined Heat and Power System

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will integrate and extend technologies of advanced solar thermal collectors and Stirling engines to produce electrical power and thermal energy for space and water heating. The research program will investigate the technical opportunities that are present for heat engines at medium temperature differentials (100C ? 300C) rather than the well-explored high temperature differentials (500C+). Theresearch will also focus on the study of advanced materials for components of the existing prototype STSE-CHP (Stirling engine system for combined heating and electrical power generation) system. This Phase I work has enormous potential for contributing to the societal goal of displacing the world's depleting supply of highly polluting fossil fuels with cleaner, renewable sources of energy. The further purpose of providing affordable electricity and heat to people in emerging economies with limited infrastructure will be enabled by this medium-temperature STSE-CHP system.