- #1
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the design and feasibility of a solar Stirling engine, focusing on whether the proposed concept is sound both theoretically and practically. Participants explore various aspects of the design, including thermodynamics and efficiency considerations.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant shares a design for a Stirling engine and seeks analysis on its conceptual and practical viability.
- Another participant references previous attempts at building a similar engine, questioning the success of those efforts.
- A participant expresses uncertainty about the design's effectiveness and suggests consulting thermodynamics literature for deeper understanding.
- There is a proposal to enhance the design by enclosing the engine in a box to create a greenhouse effect, potentially using greenhouse gases to maintain higher temperatures.
- One participant suggests that passive cooling might be necessary, indicating that a pump could negatively impact efficiency.
- Another participant directly questions the overall functionality of the proposed design.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of the design, with no consensus on whether it would work as intended. Multiple viewpoints on the design's modifications and operational principles are presented.
Contextual Notes
Participants acknowledge the need for further exploration of thermodynamic principles and the implications of design modifications, such as the use of greenhouse gases and cooling methods. Specific assumptions about efficiency and operational conditions remain unaddressed.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in renewable energy technologies, thermodynamics, and experimental engineering projects may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
montoyas7940
- 364
- 21
Someone already tried it.
http://www.potpower.com/Images/solar-stirling1.jpg
http://www.potpower.com/Images/solar-stirling1a.jpg
It looks like it would be a fun project. Do you intend to build one?
http://www.potpower.com/Images/solar-stirling1.jpg
http://www.potpower.com/Images/solar-stirling1a.jpg
It looks like it would be a fun project. Do you intend to build one?
Last edited by a moderator:
- #3
grey
- 69
- 0
hmmm...when you say someone already tried it, does it imply he/she was succesful? as in did the engine work?
i am not sure about building it, i would look into a thermodynamics text to see the technicalities involved...but important thing is, is the concept right?
i also thought later (after posting) that as the piston is to move between two different-temperature-reservoirs, maybe enclose the bowl/cup in some sort of a box to make a greenhouse effect so that higher temperature is maintained in the bowl...and maybe, just in theory put a greenhouse gas like CO2 or maybe even CH4 in it
i am not sure about building it, i would look into a thermodynamics text to see the technicalities involved...but important thing is, is the concept right?
i also thought later (after posting) that as the piston is to move between two different-temperature-reservoirs, maybe enclose the bowl/cup in some sort of a box to make a greenhouse effect so that higher temperature is maintained in the bowl...and maybe, just in theory put a greenhouse gas like CO2 or maybe even CH4 in it
- #4
russ_watters
Mentor
- 23,873
- 11,325
I would say it probably needs to be passively cooled. A pump would ruin your efficiency.
- #5
grey
- 69
- 0
right...thanks...but would it work? as in the whole thing?
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