Design News: Solar Power & Stirling Engine Benefits

In summary, a recent article in Design News highlighted the Stirling Engine and its potential use in solar farming. The article also included a sidebar discussing the Stirling cycle. However, it was noted that the high volume of engines needed for solar farming may pose a challenge. The idea of using the Stirling Engine in orbit, with one end in shade and the other in sunlight, was also mentioned as a possibility.
  • #1
FredGarvin
Science Advisor
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A good article showed up in the latest issue of Design News. It's good to see the Stirling Engine getting some new exposure. For those interested, there is a good side bar on the stirling cycle as well.

The one thing I had to note to myself was that, while the Stirling engine does have some great applications, the sheer volume of them required in the solar farming applications is enormous.

http://www.designnews.com/article/CA6294752.html
 
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Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
I wonder if it might be usable in orbit. Cool end in shade, hot end in sunlight or mirror focus. Hmmm.
 
  • #3


Thank you for sharing this article on the benefits of solar power and the Stirling engine. It is great to see the Stirling engine gaining more exposure and recognition for its capabilities. The sidebar on the Stirling cycle is also a valuable addition for those interested in learning more about this technology.

I do agree that the scale of Stirling engines required for solar farming applications can be quite large. However, the benefits of using solar power, combined with the efficiency and reliability of the Stirling engine, make it a worthwhile investment. It is encouraging to see more and more industries turning to sustainable and renewable energy sources like solar power.

Overall, this article highlights the potential of the Stirling engine in the renewable energy sector and I hope to see more advancements and developments in this field in the future. Thank you for sharing this informative piece on Design News.
 

1. What is solar power and how does it work?

Solar power is a type of renewable energy that is harnessed from the sun's radiation. It works by using solar panels to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

2. What are the benefits of using solar power?

The benefits of using solar power include reduced carbon emissions, cost savings on energy bills, and a renewable source of energy. Additionally, solar power systems have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance.

3. What is a Stirling engine and how does it work?

A Stirling engine is a type of heat engine that operates by cyclic compression and expansion of air or other gas at different temperature levels. It works by using external heat sources, such as solar energy, to heat and cool the gas, which then drives the engine's pistons to generate mechanical power.

4. How does a Stirling engine benefit solar power systems?

A Stirling engine can enhance the efficiency of solar power systems by converting the heat energy from the sun into mechanical power, which can then be used to generate electricity. This makes it a useful tool for storing and utilizing solar energy.

5. Are there any limitations to using solar power and Stirling engines?

One limitation of solar power is its dependency on sunlight, which means it may not be as reliable in areas with frequent cloud cover or limited daylight hours. Stirling engines also have their own limitations, such as high initial costs and the need for regular maintenance. However, advancements in technology are continually addressing these limitations and making solar power and Stirling engines more efficient and accessible.

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