Stirling Engines: Different Models & Applications

Are you are looking to buy a perfect Stirling engine, but instead of helping, the countless options available on the internet are making it tough to decide? It can get a little overwhelming in the beginning, however, with a little brainstorming and organizing your options list, it is far easier to reach a decision.

Further, by gaining more insights about the Stirling engine project models, it becomes easier to compare and analyze.

Here’s a list of commonly used Stirling engines types and their applications, which could help you make a choice.

Low-temperature difference models

One of the most widely used Stirling engine models is temperature differential based. You can trigger a low-temperature difference Stirling engine by a warm cup of water, or even through heat generated through the palms of your hands. Operation without lighting a flame is indeed a big plus here. Following features make temperature differential Stirling engines widely preferred in various projects. 

·         Can be used safely inside the rooms

·         Perfect for classroom teachings

·         Eco-friendly

Woodstove fans: Stirling engine fans became quite a rage about a century ago by offering the cost-efficient way of escaping the hot weather. Since the electricity is readily available in all parts of the world now, Stirling engine fans have kind of lost their relevance here.

However, wood stove fan for the remote cabins is a Stirling engine powered equipment, which is still in demand. It works on a temperature differential model where the fan sits on the top of the woodstove and difference in temperature between the gas stove and the air in the room triggers the engine, thus causing the fan to operate.

Woodstove fans work great in remote places without electricity.

Flame heated models

Flame heated Stirling engine models are equally enticing; it's just that the machine requires an open and well-ventilated environment to function. Usually, flame heated Stirling models are lighted either with kerosene oil or alcohol. In rare cases, even butane torch or propane was used for ignition and operation.

Also, if you use alcohol or propane for fueling, you'll notice that the flames are far cleaner and better burning as compared to the kerosene flame-based heated engines.

Power generating engines

Usually, engines lose their waste heat to the environment, while a Stirling engine uses it for cooling the water. You could even capture this extra heat and use it diligently somewhere else like in heating a house.

Similarly, if you have a laundry business where you need both electricity and hot water, a Stirling engine by combining both the power and heat could work as an excellent choice.

For more information about the Stirling engine project, visit us now at Stirlingkit.com