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Home heating and air conditioning

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 7:56 am
by ishphay
Could a Stirling engine generate enough power to run the heating and
air conditioning of a home if the engine was built between the inside
and outside of a home? Would the inside and outside temperature
difference be enough to power home appliances?

Home heating and air conditioning

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 8:22 am
by stan.hornbaker
The CHP (Combined Heat and Power) Stirling units provide heat and power for domestic use. Natural gas provides the heat to run the Stirling engine and drive the generator. The waste heat from the Stirling is used to heat the house.

They do not provide economical power to run the A/C. Grid power is the most economical source for A/C opeation.

Response to Home heating and air conditioning

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 3:25 am
by david_mathews
The Stirling cycle is reversible. if u put mechanical energy into the engine,ie, an electric motor to turn the engine it's cycle runs backwards and yes u can cool the house with it. Coleman(stove) makes
a free piston Stirling cooler !! (FPSE engine)

Response to Home heating and air conditioning

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 6:26 am
by stan.hornbaker
The temperature difference between inside and outside is totally inadequate to run any Stirling engine other than models and toys.

The Stirling cycle IS reversible BUT in this case external power is required to drive the Stirling engine as a refrigeration device.

Coleman did sell an electric powered portable picnic box cooled by a small free piston Stirling engine. Those were closed out over a year ago by the factory and are no longer available.

Re: Home heating and air conditioning

Posted: Wed Apr 03, 2013 4:16 am
by allanmullaly
I think this might not support whole home heating and cooling appliances. Please consult with any HVAC expert.