Hot air Stirling engine - experiment with converted air comprossor

Hi,
I put my other engine to one side and have started working on converting one of my old air compressors into a hot air engine.
I cobbled this lot together to check that the concept works before building it properly.
Really did not expect it to run like this first try (sorry about the poor lighting, i wasnt expecting anything worth filming)

The compressor is as original, but with the valves and piston rings removed. It is pretty much a beta configuration, with a wire wool regenerative displacer piston - adds a bit of friction but seems to be worth it so far.

The linkage will allow for conterbalance weights as I inted to run it vertically so that I can lubricate the power piston without contaminating the regenerator. Im thinking of using graphite to lubricate the displacer rod - as this is on the top of the engine at the hot end so I cant use oil.

My theory is that although it is easier to put a fire under the engine - heating the top would maintain a better temperatire difference as the heat will naturaly rise upwards.

Hope you watched the whole video as it even managed to run on residual heat in the vertical position.

If it runs this well with bodged linkages and incorrect ballancing - this things going to be a beauty when finished!!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• large
• stirling
• engine
• hot
• air
• steam
• boiler
• green
• energy
• alternative
• stationary

[specallez]

Cool engine! But why does it make the ringing sound ?

[Valvechest]

@specallez

the linkages are only loosely fitted and bang agaist the flywheel making the ringing sound.

The new version of this engine has different linkages, it still rings but only because I have counterweights loosely tied onto the flywheel.

[WorldStove]

never mind when it's finished. it already is a thing of beauty! can't wait to see the next version

[Valvechest]

Cheers m8,

There is now a better recording of the engine - with the the engine running vertically too!

[WorldStove]

wonderful! Where?

[Valvechest]

Sorry, its taking its time processing, but it will be there soon.

[1shnitsel]

Very nice!

But if I understand it well, you use the original piston of the air compressor as a power piston and you have added a cilinder with a displacer to it?

[studioLivingDead]

The ice cream man is comin!

[Skoda130]

Nice sound! :P

[mjdevink]

That rings my bell! Always amazed at what people have cooking on their stoves.

Looking forward to the new one with all the bells and whistles.

Cheers -Mike

[SWINGREGORY]

big and great