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Stirling cycle

A thermodynamic cycle made up of four totally reversible processes:

1-2 T constant expansion (heat addition from the external source)

2-3 v constant regeneration (internal heat transfer from the working fluid to the regenerator)

3-4 T constant compression (heat rejection to the external sink)

4-1 v constant regeneration (internal heat transfer from the regenerator back to the working fluid)

If supplied with mechanical power, the Stirling cycle can function as a heat pump for heating or refrigeration cooling.

The cycle is reversible, meaning that if supplied with mechanical power, it can function as a heat pump for heating or refrigeration cooling, and even for cryogenic cooling. The cycle is defined as a closed-cycle regenerative cycle with a gaseous working fluid.

The term can also be used to describe the general class of Stirling devices such as the original Stirling engine that was invented in 1816 by Reverend Dr. Robert Stirling.

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