size vs power ??????

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jbdezendorf
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Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 7:41 am
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size vs power ??????

Post by jbdezendorf »

Suppose I don't mind having a monstrosity in my yard. How large do I
need to build a Stirling engine to power a home on a 40 degree temp
difference? I don't care if it's not practical I just want a ball park
estimate on size. if any one can help I would appreciate it.
stan.hornbaker
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Response to size vs power ??????

Post by stan.hornbaker »

It is not the size of the Stirling engine but the temperature difference and the amount of heat required to run the engine. Combined Heat and Power, CHP, units are about the size of a refrigerator (ice box). Gas is burned to heat/run the Stirling engine and generate power. Waste heat is used for domestic heating. Thus the electricity generated is almost a free bonus. Cost is on the order of $10,000 US (or was) and payout is about 10 years.
rtopf
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Response to size vs power ??????

Post by rtopf »

To power a house (>1K ) a Stirling engine running at with atmosphic pressures would probably need to be larger than the house itself.

You can get more power from a smaller size by using a higher internal pressure, but a heavy pressure vessel is needed.

I don't think 40 degrees is enough to do any real work. As the size engine increases, the losses due to friction and other losses would consume any net work.

The following link is a Japanese engine that produced 1Kw with only a few hundred degerees. Note the size and weight.

http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~khirata/acad ... index.html


Rick T.
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