This study presents the design and validation of an integrated monitoring and control system for a laboratory-scaleStirling generator. Conventional testbeds suffer from unsynchronized, low-bandwidth data acquisition, which hinders the real-timeanalysi...
This study presents the design and validation of an integrated monitoring and control system for a laboratory-scaleStirling generator. Conventional testbeds suffer from unsynchronized, low-bandwidth data acquisition, which hinders the real-timeanalysis of dynamic parameters such as internal pressure, piston motion, and electrical output. To overcome these limitations, amodular platform was developed that integrates precise helium pressure control, temperature gradient management, and high-speeddata acquisition synchronized via a LabView interface. The system enables real-time monitoring of multiple variables, includingtemperature, pressure, AC voltage, AC current, and DC voltage/current, at sampling rates up to 2 kHz. Experimental validation wasconducted using a lab-scale Stirling generator fabricated in a previous study under optimized driving conditions. During two-hourcontinuous operation, the output power stabilized at 4.51 W, representing a 6% decrease from the initial 4.80 W with a deviationof less than 1%. Amplitude sweep tests revealed a performance threshold at approximately 7.8V, where a drop in current indicateda piston-gas mismatch at excessive amplitudes. These results confirm the capability of the platform for accurate and synchronizedmonitoring. The developed system established a robust foundation for the dynamic characterization and control of Stirling generatorstoward high-efficiency, long-endurance power generation in extreme environments.