College Physics ›› 2026, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (1): 111-.doi: 10.16854/j.cnki.1000-0712.250221

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Application of a γ stirling engine in a gravity energy storage system

ZHANG Yimeng1, GUO Yan1, DING Jiahao1, MA Junhao1, WANG Yi1, WENG Yuyan1,2, FANG Liang1#br#   

  1. 1. School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China; 

    2. National Lab of Solid State Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China




  • Received:2025-04-25 Revised:2025-05-27 Online:2026-04-13 Published:2026-04-22

Abstract: This experiment designs and investigates the application of a γ Stirling engine in gravity energy storage. The displacer of a dual-cylinder γ Stirling engine is optimized to integrate a regenerative function, effectively improving heat exchange efficiency. By connecting a gas pressure transducer and a high-speed camera, real-time pressure and volume changes during engine operation are captured, and instantaneous p-V diagrams are plotted. Experimental results indicate that under a temperature difference of 178 K, the Stirling engine achieves a rotational speed of 126 rpm, a mechanical output power of 0.6 W, and a conversion efficiency of 0.17%. Although the efficiency is relatively low, it highlights the coupling of a Stirling engine with gravity energy storage, offering substantial educational value for demonstrating thermodynamic principles and providing a novel approach to addressing challenges in renewable energy grid integration.

Key words:  γ Stirling engine, displacer, educational value, gravity energy storage, p-V diagram