Stirling engine generator charges 12-volt batteries!

[CPD0123a]

Well, we know who's ready for the Zombie apocolips. Between this and the wood-gasifier jet burner, you should be good to go for, well, how long? lol.

So, this can charge small 12v bateries, but I'm guessing it's not powerful enough to charge the big boy 12v car batteries. (Well, unless you get a car alternator and the big car wires, but that might be too much torque to pull off)

[approtechie]

@CPD0123a Bring on the Zombies, LOL! You're right, this is too small to really charge a large 12 volt battery but a bigger engine is in the works.

[CPD0123a]

@approtechie Oh dear...

[makerj101]

What is the dimensions of the water bottle? I guess the reason I don't get much power out of my stirling engine is because I only use a tuna can and you use a water bottle that is much bigger?

[approtechie]

@makerj101 the water bottles are just standard off-the-shelf ones, about 2.75" diameter and I chop them off at about 5.5" long.

[makerj101]

Wow that engine cranks out 2.05 watts! Great job! That's why more then any of my engines can do. The most I've gotten out of mine is 0.02 watts. Only enough to power a few LEDs. How do you make it so powerful?

[approtechie]

@makerj101 the stainless steel water bottle allows me to get a significant temperature difference going, I use fine stainless steel wool for the displacer, 1/3 of the bottle is for cooling, it's a beta version which allows the diaphragm to dip down into the same volume used by the displacer, I use ball bearings on the crank, and otherwise reduce friction as much as possible, I work on balancing the crank as best I can, long conn rods for minimal side forces, and attention to detail. And luck!

[yellowmetalcyborg]

Nice.

Is this engine is oriented towards use in developing countries? If so, would it make more sense to pump water with it? Some farmers in developing countries still need to pump water by hand for their livestock and crops, so farmers would rather buy a pump rather than a generator.

[approtechie]

@yellowmetalcyborg You're right. This is just one application for the engine, electricity for lights and stuff in the home. I've hooked it to an inertia pump made from a garden hose and a plastic valve and it pumped 3 liters/minute at low head. I think with a good centrifugal pump or a geared-down direct action piston pump it would do even better. Something I'll have to try some time. Thanks for the comment!

[yellowmetalcyborg]

@approtechie Have you seen gaiatechnician's videos on water pumps driven by compressed air? I think combining his ideas with a stirling engine, some pipes and some one way valves would make a truly remarkable water pump. Using expanded air from a stirling engine to bubble air into a long, tall, and narrow tube looks like something worth trying out. His videos are a little difficult to understand, but when there's a will, there's a way.

[approtechie]

@yellowmetalcyborg Yes, I've been corresponding with him. I understand his pumps well and have built air-lift pumps myself. His particular version uses a combination trompe, which compresses air using falling water, and an air-lift pump, which uses said compressed air to lift water to a greater height. I don't really think the Stirling engine is all that suited for use with it, but I sure appreciate the suggestion. Thanks!

[1BustedMyth]

FIRST CLASS

[SCENARIOBABY]

dont forget wood gas flame, biogas flame! I want to see a diy vid by you approtechie! We can learn alot from you. Peace and blessings

[approtechie]

@SCENARIOBABY Wood and biogas are on the horizon. Hope to have plans out some time soon. Thanks!

[approtechie]

@SCENARIOBABY OK, I just posted a video of the engine running on biogas from cow poop produced in a small digester I built made from a 5-gal. water bottle, a tub, a 5-gal. bucket, and some misc. pipe and tubing. Gasifier wood stove still to come. :-)

[approtechie]

@SCENARIOBABY Just posted the engine running on wood gas from a coffee can gasifier wood stove I built.

[sirklCZ]

Very impressive! I can understand your pleasure, but I think this is the most simple milestone in the development of this nice little engine. There are greater in front of you. Your engine can produce more than double power and stay cheap. I want to encourage you to keep improve the engine not the accessory in this moment. Anyway good job! Thaks for posting!

[approtechie]

@sirklCZ Thanks! I realize it's not all that great of an accomplishment and lots of challenges still ahead, but I've reached one of my personal goals for this little engine and I'm enjoying the moment.

[tracycolorado]

instead of using propane gas , think about using , H.H.O. Gas , where you can charge the batteries , and make your own fuel at the same time

[specallez]

Awesome! I love the electric start :) This a great step forward.

The generator is quite noisy, have you tried switching the generator

around somehow so it spins the other way ? Those little motors seem to prefer being spun one way rather than the other, because the brushes get worn at a bit of an angle. I think that noise is the brushes grating a bit.

[approtechie]

@specallez I haven't tried that yet but I will, thanks. It's also running at over 10,000 rpm so I expect it's going to make a little noise. The electric start was a no-brainer since I had to put a switch in there anyway and it automatically goes from motor to generator. It would be neat to have a solenoid valve in the gas line and an electric ignitor - just throw the switch and off it goes!

[TheGrayman1234]

This is what I have been waiting for. Congratulations! A great milestone has been accomplished. PLEASE continue in your efforts!

[approtechie]

@TheGrayman1234 Thank you! I have no intentions of stopping here.

[ASSEMblerEX]

congrats!

[boharihamen]

That is awesome. Thumbs up!

[cheetawolf]

amazing little machine you got there!