A Case Study of the Development Experience of Using a Prototype Stirling Engine in A Novel Bioenergy Driven Co-Generation Plant in Bolivia

Abstract

The necessity for green technology to generate power in rural regions is becoming more widely recognized. Stirling engines have attracted a lot of interest in recent years due to their relative ease of maintenance and simple design. Practical experience from the operation and maintenance of the Stirling engine Genoa-01 in Bolivia is the subject of this case study. The project uses a trial-and-error approach to maintain the engine in order to find relevant lessons that may be used in training of power plant personnel based in locations with limited technical resources. Analysis of the information gathered during the study identified the main challenges to overcome for small, decentralized power technologies as supply chain of spare parts, technical capacities, and promotion of the technology.