Stirling Engine

Alpha prototype under construction. See Open Stirling Engine blog for the current status of the first prototype of the 4 cylinder alpha configuration engine. This is a simplified version of the design as modeled in Google SketchUp

Current version of the prototype. Assembled version with piston rod guides. See blog for detailed status reports. Having problems with polyethylene bags developing leaks, so not running yet.

This is not part of the GVCS. Elsewhere, Stirling engine enthusiasts are working on this. The Stirling engine is an efficient energy generating technology that has been replicated innumerable times and ways over the past two centuries. The piston-crankshaft type has very little success in the marketplace. But there are a number of dish-stirling solar power systems online using free piston engines, including the largest solar power installation in the world. The thrust, therefore, of an open sourcing project should be to identify and develop a variation that will result in a marketable design of widespread applicability.

The exact engine type depends entirely on the application. Free piston engines can only really supply electricity.

Links

• Home Open Sterling Egnine Open Stirling Engine
• Open Source Sterling Engine Stirling Engine Open Sourcing Projects
• Energy and Sterling Engines [1]
• Stirling Engine Generator Development [2]
• Understanding Sterling Engines [3]