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Stirling Engine

The Analysis of a… . Stirling Engine. Why a Stirling Engine?. Here is what we wanted to learn: How do stirling engines work? Which design aspects have the greatest effect on their performance? How do they compare to more common engines? Where would a stirling engine be used?.

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Stirling Engine

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  1. The Analysis of a… Stirling Engine

  2. Why a Stirling Engine? Here is what we wanted to learn: • How do stirling engines work? • Which design aspects have the greatest effect on their performance? • How do they compare to more common engines? • Where would a stirling engine be used? http://www.dansdata.com/images/blog/msiairpowerfan2_s.jpg http://i.ytimg.com/vi/osNluWPOpJ0/0.jpg

  3. demonstration

  4. What is a stirling engine? • Gamma type stirling engine • A stirling engine uses heat flux from a temperature differential to create a cycle of expanding and contracting air • The expansion and contraction causes a pressure change which moves the green piston • The green piston rotates the shaft and the flywheel which moves the displacer • Why are they 90° out of phase?

  5. Background • Invented in 1816 by Robert Stirling • First used in Dundee Foundry in Scotland for power generation • Applications include mechanical and electrical power generation, cryogenic cooling and HVAC. • Typical efficiency is 30-50% of Carnot cycle (15-30% overall)

  6. Solar Power approximately 31% efficient

  7. Experiment • We measured… • System dimensions • Temperature difference • RPM

  8. Calculations • We assumed… • Steady state heat reaction for engine • Laminar flow • Insulated cylinder • No loss through bottom of coffee cup or sides of plate • Frictionless • Significant calculations: • Work output per cycle • Heat loss from mug

  9. Power V1 = minimum volume V2 = maximum volume

  10. Results

  11. Results

  12. Overview • Plate properties and dimensions have no effect on power output for steady-state • A larger diameter cylinder can operate on a smaller temperature difference • Gases with large (m*R) J/kg, such as helium, are the best working fluids • Temperature difference is directly proportional to power output Efficiency comparison: - Stirling engine: 15% - 30% - Steam engine: 8% - Internal combustion: 35% Stirling engines are increasingly being used in solar power applications. They are useful because they are extremely low maintenance and do not require fuel to run. Renewable energy!

  13. Questions?

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