Function of the stirling engine

• 1 --> 2 The gas expands at constant temperature TH and create the work W1-W2. The quantity of heat QH is supplied
• 2 --> 3 The gas is cooled at constant volume to the temperature TC. The quantity of heat QR is supplied to the regenerator.
• 3 --> 4 The gas is compressed at constant temperature TC and the work W3-W4 is performed on the gas. The quantity of heat QC is delivered.
• 4 --> 1 The gas is heated at constant volume to the temperature TH by using the quantity of heat QR that has been stored in the engine. No work is performed.