A review of Small Scale Distributed Power Generation Technologies Using Solar Energy Driven Stirling Engine

Traditionally, off-grid power generation and supply in remote and inaccessible areas is provided by fossil fuelled technologies such as diesel gensets. Currently the emphasis however has shifted towards deploying renewable energy technologies which are becoming increasingly an important part of many countries power generation infrastructure. Small scale solar energy projects are mainly dominated by PV technology whereas large schemes use Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). This paper gives an insight into current solar energy technologies that can be deployed for power generation either as stand-alone or connected to the main power grid. Then an alternative technology using Stirling Cycle will be described giving its potential application and limitation. A conceived new design of Free Piston Stirling Engine is under research will be discussed and introduced.