DescriptionThis category is about the scientific and technological aspects of Stirling and Rankine engines.
Stirling and Rankine (steam) cycle engines are both heat engines that can use heat from any source. Heat can be delivered to heat engines via means radiative (eg. solar), convective (eg. geothermal, combustion), or conductive (eg. waste heat). When used as combustion engines, Stirling and Rankine engines are external combustion engines. External combustion engines are those in which any combustion occurs outside of the expansion system.
Stirlings are among the most thermodynamically efficient types of engine extant, very close to the thermodynamic efficiency maxima for heat engines. They are also very quiet.
Stirlings combustion engines are extremely clean, producing almost no major pollutants such as NOx, unburned hydrocarbons or carbon monoxide (CO). Naturally, as do all combustion engine, they output CO2, but somewhat less per power unit, due to their higher efficiency.
See also:
- Stirling Engine
- Comprehensive information resource about the technology. Includes history, basics, models, plans, gallery, links, and an overview of a rotary displacer engine. [English, Japanese]
- American Stirling Company - Manufacturer of educational models, fans, hand heated and full power engines. Includes forum, FAQs and insights on the technology.
- Free Energy - Stirling Engine - Provides insights on the technology. Includes news, links, and information about the engine technology.
- Genoa Stirling - Describes the design steps and insights of a full scale engine. Includes videos, technical datasheets, test results, work in progress and links.
- HowStuffWorks - How Stirling Engines Work - Describes the thermodynamic cycle. Includes several animated diagrams.
- Stirling Engine and Hot Air Engine - Private homepage dedicated to collectors of vintage hot air engines and model engineers. Includes book and article references.
- Stirling Engine The Aircraft Powerplant of the Future - Discusses the advantages of implementing the engine technology on future aircraft powerplants. Includes basics, articles, publications and links.
- Stirling Engines - Explains the basics of the engine technology. Includes pictures of home-made models, drawings, animation and references. [English, French]
- Wikipedia - Stirling Engine - Free encyclopedia article covers engine technology. Addresses historical and technical background, engine efficiency, thermodynamic aspects and applications.
Media publications
Last update: Apr 28, 2012 18:35:08. Phy.org is a private web site, powered by the Open Directory Project.
