Is a Stirling Cycle Engine Still Valid with an Open Cold Reservoir?

[NateTG]

Let's say that I have a stirling motor designed in such a way that the cold reservoir is always at standard temperature and pressure (or at least very close to it).

So, if I were to put a hole in the cold reservoir there should be no effect on the engine running, but it might exchange air with the outside world (due to diffusion or turbulence or something) -- in fact, the cold reservoir could just be an opening to the ambient air.

Would the resulting engine still qualify as a stirling cycle engine?

 

[Astronuc]

I believe is would qualify as a Stirling cycle - and perhaps it would be considered open as opposed to closed.

 

[ravenprp]

Yes, the resulting engine would still qualify as a stirling cycle engine. The defining characteristic of a stirling engine is its use of a closed cycle to convert heat energy into mechanical work. As long as the engine is still operating within a closed cycle and utilizing the temperature difference between the hot and cold reservoirs to generate work, it can be considered a stirling engine. The specifics of the design, such as the location or type of reservoir, do not necessarily disqualify it from being classified as a stirling cycle engine.