Error in this depiction of a Stirling engine?

In summary, a Stirling engine is a heat engine that converts thermal energy into mechanical work by cyclically compressing and expanding air or other gas. It was invented in 1816 and has been used in various applications. Its purpose is to provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heat engines. The error in a depiction of a Stirling engine is the incorrect placement of the hot and cold sides. Stirling engines work by heating and cooling a working fluid, usually air, in a closed system. Some advantages of Stirling engines include high efficiency, low emissions, quiet operation, and the ability to run on various heat sources. They also have fewer moving parts, making them more reliable and easier to maintain.
  • #1
greypilgrim
517
36
Hi.
In my (German) physics lecture notes, I found this depiction of a Stirling engine:
Stirling.PNG

According to the text, it should be
A: isothermal expansion
B: isochoric cooling
C: isothermal compression
D: isochoric heating

This seems correct for the PV diagram, but strange in the illustration on the right. Shouldn't A and C be (approximately) isochoric since that's where piston A (green) is at dead centre?
 
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  • #2
It looks like the labels are shifted by one phase. B in the PV diagram is A in the sketch and so on.
 

1. What is a Stirling engine?

A Stirling engine is a heat engine that operates by cyclic compression and expansion of air or other gas at different temperatures, converting thermal energy into mechanical work. It was invented in 1816 by Robert Stirling and has been used in various applications such as pumps, generators, and even cars.

2. What is the purpose of a Stirling engine?

The purpose of a Stirling engine is to convert heat energy into mechanical work. It is a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heat engines, as it operates using an external heat source and does not require internal combustion.

3. What is the error in this depiction of a Stirling engine?

The error in this depiction of a Stirling engine is the incorrect placement of the hot and cold sides. In a Stirling engine, the hot side should be where the heat source is located, while the cold side should be where the heat is released. In the image, the hot and cold sides are reversed.

4. How does a Stirling engine work?

A Stirling engine works by cyclically heating and cooling a working fluid, usually air, in a closed system. The process begins with the heating of the working fluid, causing it to expand and push a piston. This movement of the piston is converted into mechanical work. The cooled working fluid is then compressed, creating a cycle that repeats to produce continuous work.

5. What are the advantages of a Stirling engine?

Some advantages of a Stirling engine include its high efficiency, low emissions, and quiet operation. It can also run on a variety of heat sources, such as solar energy, biomass, or waste heat. Additionally, Stirling engines have fewer moving parts, making them more reliable and easier to maintain compared to traditional heat engines.

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