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Mechanical Efficiency Considerations in the Design of an Ultra Low Temperature Differential Stirling Engine
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English
Abstract
A recently developed general theory of mechanical efficiency has yielded some new and interesting theoretical insights into the intrinsic performance limits of reciprocating heat engines. Various aspects of this theory have been presented in a series of papers at the last six IECEC meetings.
This paper shows how the theory can be put to practical use in guiding the design of a particular engine. The subject engine is a Stirling intended to operate on a very small temperature difference across the warm and cool sides. The project afforded an extreme case to which the new theoretical results could be applied.
The end product of the project is a small kinematic Stirling engine capable of operating down to a temperature differential of only 1/2 degree Celsius, or less than 1 degree Fahrenheit. The engine easily runs from heat absorbed while resting on the palm of a human hand. It begins running within about 15 seconds of being picked up, and after a few minutes reaches steady state operation at about 80 rpm. The engine is extremely entertaining and invaluable for teaching and demonstration.
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Authors
Citation
Senft, J., "Mechanical Efficiency Considerations in the Design of an Ultra Low Temperature Differential Stirling Engine," SAE Technical Paper 929024, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/929024.Also In
References
- Kolin Ivo Isothermal Stirling-Cycle Engine. University of Zagreb Press Zagreb, Yugoslavia 1983
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- Senft J. R. “Mechanical efficiency of kinematic heat engines” Jour. Franklin Institute 324 2 273 290 1987
- Senft J. R. “Analysis of the Brake Performance Potential of Crossley-Stirling Engines” Proc. 26th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference Paper #910314 Boston 1991
- Senft J. R. “Limits on the mechanical efficiency of heat engines” Proc. 22nd Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference Paper #879071 Philadelphia August 1987
- Kolin Ivo The Evolution of the Heat Engine Longman, London 1972
- Airpot Corporation 27 Lois Street, Norwalk, CT 06851, U.S.A.
- Brenizer J. “Determination of the power of a low temperature differential Stirling engine” Univ. of Wisconsin Research Report 1991