Is Stirling engine practical?
Also, Stirling engines do not use explosions like normal gasoline engines, therefore they are very quiet. Although these seem like major advantages to an ordinary engine, they are less practical in most vehicles because they require external heat, rather than internal heat.
What can a Stirling engine be used for?
Stirling engines are energy conversion devices that may be used as prime movers, refrigerating engines or heat pumps. Currently they are used commercially as cryogenic cooling systems and are under development as low noise, low emission automotive engines.
How powerful is a Stirling engine?
It was developed and produced by a collaborative effort between NASA and MTI (Mechanical Technology Incorporated). The MOD II engine in particular could reach a thermal efficiency of 38.5% (significantly higher than a spark ignition ICE), and with power comparable to an ICE of the same size (83.5 hp).
How much power can a Stirling engine produce?
generating between 200-500 watts of electricity. Several designs were studied before settling on an alpha type configuration based around a two-cylinder air compressor.
How long can a Stirling engine run?
about 5,000 hours
“It can be done, and you can get about 5,000 hours out of that engine. But you have wear mechanisms and you can’t design an engine like that to last forever. If you want long life, on the order of ten years or twenty years continuous operation, then you have to eliminate all mechanisms of wear.”
What is the most efficient engine in the world?
Wärtsilä’s new 31 four-stroke engine is the most fuel-efficient engine currently on the market. The diesel variant of the engine uses 8–10 g/kWh less fuel on average than the nearest rival over the whole load range. This value may be as low as 165g/kWh when operating at peak efficiency.
Is steam more powerful than diesel?
A diesel locomotive weighs significantly more than one powered by steam. Several steam locomotives can generate 1200 to 1800 horsepower respectively, making most locomotives at the most powerful possible. Many diesel engines go up to 400 horsepower but not many go up to 2000 horsepower.