Can Stirling engine pumps its own cooling water

This is the next step in my testbed engine development - having it pump its own cooling water. The pump is an inertia type and uses a check valve from a spray bottle - shaking it up and down rapidly causes the water to flow. The engine is running on a small alcohol flame. Note how long the engine runs after the flame is removed.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Stirling
• engine
• model
• hot
• air
• motor
• pump
• cooling
• water
• wood
• moving
• regenerator

[StirlingEngine123]

I don't know if it is because of the simplicity or because I have seen your work evolution trough your first engine video (well, not really the first -that was the beta can- but yes the second one gamma 860rpm) post, but I really like in particular of this engine! I wonder how many watts this one can produce... XD. Why this comment? Well, I realised that I took many of your ideas on my engines, so I belive it would be nice to give you my congratulations and tanks! Keep the good work! lol lol

[approtechie]

@StirlingEngine123 Glad I could be of some inspiration to you in your own Stirling engine development! I'd like to see that 4-cylinder one when you finish it.

[ipadize]

how does the water cooling work?

[approtechie]

@ipadize There's a tuna can water jacket around the top of the water bottle cylinder. A tiny inertia pump (single valve pump) shakes up and down as the crank spins and pumps water through the water jacket and back out to the bucket.

[approtechie]

@jack9102 I'll check into that, thanks!

[jack9102]

@approtechie the motors used to run cassette tape machines are relatively low friction motors, and already have a belt and pulley. go to a second hand shop and buy a walkman or something just for the motor. elastics make ok belts too

[jack9102]

I think it is amazing how much power can be generated by a stirling engine, although the alpha type are most common and in my opinion are the simplest, maybe I'll make one this weekend...

[cajoshua3080]

approtechie,

Thanks a lot for your inputs. Its really encouraging. I am trying to rebuild with proper attention. thanks again.

[approtechie]

@cajoshua3080 Small Stirling engines are notoriously difficult to get to work properly. You really need to pay attention to the details - good heat transfer, reduce heat losses, reduce friction, no air leaks, and so on. My first engine I built in 1980 didn't run at all. I've learned a lot since then. Keep trying! Read the detailed descriptions of engines that run well.

[cajoshua3080]

I tried to build one of this. But it wouldn't work!!!.

I used pepsi cans , Cds for dispencers, plastic tube and piston, cycle spokes for crankshaft. put them together... yet it doesn't work