STUDENT NAME

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STIRLING ENGINE
Abstract

The Sterling engine is a closed cycle heat engine. It is typically completely
sealed from the outside environment and works on the expansion and
compression of the gas (typically air) thats enclosed in the sealed engine. Fuel
does not move through the engine like in a conventional internal combustion
engine. This means that there is no intake or exhaust.
One side of the engine is heated and the other side is cooled. This causes the gas
to go through cycles of expansion and compression. This means it can produce
motion by converting heat energy directly into kinetic energy or mechanical
work.
An outside of view of the engine shows only its moving parts, a heat source
and a cooling source. Remember no fuel goes through the motor because it is
completely sealed from the outside.
There are many types of Sterling engines. There are high pressure engines that
are used commercially. There are restored low pressure engines that are used for
display. There are table top model engines built by hobbyists and students.

Cont
As a safety
precaution, the
plane can also
fly above the
weather instead
of through it.
HERE IS A LIST OF SOME OF
THE POSSIBLE USABLE HEAT
SOURCES:

Solar energy
Geothermal energy
Nuclear energy
Coal
Gasoline
Alcohol
Natural gas
Propane
Wood
Anything that will burn

Alpha Sterling:

The alpha Sterling has two
power pistons, separate hot and
cold heat exchangers, a
regenerator, and a flywheel.
The hot side heat exchanger
contains a piston and the cold
side heat exchanger contains a
piston. Typically no displacer is
used.
There is usually a high
temperature difference between
the two pistons. This means
higher efficiency and more
energy being converted into
work. The Alpha Stirling
usually offers higher power to
weight ratio and faster rotations
per minute.


BETA STIRLING:

The beta Stirling
has one power
piston and a
displacer that
share the same
cylinder. The hot
and cold heat
exchangers also
share the same
cylinder. Heated at
one end and
cooled at the other
end. The power
piston and the
displacer are often
connected by the
flywheel.
GAMMA STIRLING: flywheel

The Gamma Stirling is
a variation of the Beta
Stirling. It has two
cylinders, one for the
power piston and one
for the displacer. The
power pistons cylinder
is located along side of
the cylinder that
houses the displacer
piston. The gas moves
through a small port
between the two
cylinders. The power
piston and the
displacer are often
connected by the
flywheel. Some use a
regenerator and some
dont.
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