An outline is given of the mechanical and thermal histories of the working substance for a generic stand-alone solar thermal solid-expansion engine. A Figure-of-merit for the selection of materials is devised and evaluated, showing that high-strength engineering alloys figure best for this duty, with the carbon and low-alloy steels a practical choice. [S0199-6231(00)00403-2]

Issue Section:
Technical Brief
Keywords:
thermal expansion, solar absorber-convertors, pumps, carbon steel, alloy steel
Topics:
Cooling, Cycles, Heating, Machinery, Solar energy, Temperature, Pumps
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Copyright © 2000
 by ASME
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