STIRLING ENGINELOW TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL TYPE

A demonstration of a ‘hot air’ engine using a low temperature heat source outside of the engine.

Model provided by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Ambassador scheme

Low temperature differential type

STIRLING ENGINE – CONSTRUCTION DETAILS.

Displacer Piston fits inside the large cylinder. There is a big gap between the cylinder

walls and the Displacer to allow the air in the large cylinder to pass easily

between top and bottom.

The Power Piston is made of graphite and is a very close

fit in a glass cylinder to keep air

leakage and friction small.

Displacer piston rod runs in a very close fitting small bearing to minimise friction

and air leakage.

Crank-shaft runs in ball bearings inside the pillar to keep friction low.

Bottom plate is gently warmed to drive the engine

Crank-shaft pins are at 90° to each other

Air is trapped inside the body of the engine

The Power cylinder is connected to the large cylinder by a big hole. Top plate is

kept cool

The Area of the large cylinder is 62 times the area of the Power Piston

Flywheel

Animation

• Click here to run an animation of the LTD Sterling Engine.

• Esc. To return.