I was just wondering what is the maximum power output of a Stirling
engine with a delta T of <10 C? Is it even physically possible to
get 100 watts, 10 kw, 100 kw if size is not an issue. And if so how
large would it have to be?
Low delta T engines
Moderator: stan.hornbaker
Forum rules
Be nice!
Be nice!
-
j1o2nathan
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Wed Feb 01, 2006 5:38 pm
- First Name: Jonathan
- Last Name: King
-
stan.hornbaker
- Posts: 532
- Joined: Thu Jun 20, 2002 6:01 pm
- First Name: William S.
- Last Name: Hornbaker
Power Output Realative to Size
Consider a 500MW steam-electric power plant. It's large, covers acres of land for the plant proper, coal storage, cooling towers/pond(s).
Next consider a Honda 5,000 W i.e. 5KW semi-portable generator set with a foot print about the size of a contractor' wheelbarrow.
Now what was the question you wanted an answer to?
Does size matter? Why of course it does, as does the delta T.
Next consider a Honda 5,000 W i.e. 5KW semi-portable generator set with a foot print about the size of a contractor' wheelbarrow.
Now what was the question you wanted an answer to?
Does size matter? Why of course it does, as does the delta T.
-
stan.hornbaker
- Posts: 532
- Joined: Thu Jun 20, 2002 6:01 pm
- First Name: William S.
- Last Name: Hornbaker
Response to Low delta T engines
Power output of any heat engine is a function/fraction of the heat input. The more heat energy that can be furnished to the engine the greater the power output possible. With a delta T of 10 C or 18 F you have the potential of power outputs on the order of a small fraction of 1 W. This generally is little more than enough to overcome friction losses in even the crude "tin can" model engines.
The building/assembling of a LTD is an educational experience. You might want to consider an MM-5 Coffee Cup Kit or one of the numerous tin can models to be found on the internet.
There is quite a bit of theoretical information available on this site to achieve a better understanding of Stirling engine operation. I would strongly suggest that you take advantage of it.
The building/assembling of a LTD is an educational experience. You might want to consider an MM-5 Coffee Cup Kit or one of the numerous tin can models to be found on the internet.
There is quite a bit of theoretical information available on this site to achieve a better understanding of Stirling engine operation. I would strongly suggest that you take advantage of it.