- #1
- 4,430
- 327
I don't pay my electricity bill so if I build a sterling engine going out into the -40 degree weather...
Freezing Cold Energy: Building a Sterling Engine
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the feasibility and implications of building a Stirling engine that operates in extremely cold temperatures, specifically -40 degrees. Participants explore the potential for generating electricity and the associated costs and challenges.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that building a Stirling engine in cold weather could lead to low-cost electricity, but acknowledges that there are upfront costs and labor involved.
- Another participant humorously notes the typical trajectory of such discussions, implying skepticism about the feasibility of the idea.
- Some participants reference NASA's work on Stirling engines, indicating that while they have been developed, a heat source is still necessary for operation.
- There is a playful exchange about the potential for the idea to be dismissed or ridiculed, with one participant anticipating a positive response that may not materialize.
- A participant humorously claims to have "broken the physics," suggesting a light-hearted take on the challenges of energy conservation in this context.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
The discussion features a mix of humor and skepticism, with no clear consensus on the feasibility of the proposed Stirling engine in cold conditions. Multiple competing views and playful banter indicate that the topic remains unresolved.
Contextual Notes
Participants mention the need for a heat source and the costs associated with building a generator, but these points are not fully explored or resolved within the discussion.
- #2
Moonbear
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 11,959
- 54
Starting trouble, huh? - #3
- 4,430
- 327
apparently not an appreciable amount.
- #4
Danger
Gold Member
- 9,805
- 251
Well, you gets what you pays for...
- #5
Artman
- 1,507
- 40
I thought this type of thread always starts with "Tell me why this won't work!" and ends with someone posting the crackpot point rating system. 
- #6
- 32,819
- 4,723
It may still end that way...
Zz.
Zz.
- #7
moose
- 556
- 0
ZapperZ said:
I'm waiting for the
"You may actually be onto something!" post...
- #8
- 32,819
- 4,723
moose said:I'm waiting for the
"You may actually be onto something!" post...
Then you shouldn't be looking in the GD forum.
Zz.
- #9
Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
2025 Award
- 22,586
- 7,542
Well, folks at NASA's Glenn Research Center have designed and built Stirling engines and generating systems with linear induction generators. But one still needs a heat source.Pythagorean said:
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/tmsb/stirling.html
Of course, building one's own generator may potentially lead to low cost electricity, but it's not exactly free. There are upfront capital costs and some labor involved.
Last edited by a moderator:
- #10
G01
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 2,709
- 19
YOU MAY BE ON TO SOMETHING!Sorry, I couldn't resist!
Sorry, I couldn't resist!- #11
Thrice
- 258
- 0
Needs more zpm!
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/5664/untitled6jf1.png
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/5664/untitled6jf1.png
Last edited by a moderator:
- #12
- 4,430
- 327
Not only is the energy free, but my landlord would probably say I'm not conserving energy.
I think I broke the physics.
I think I broke the physics.
Similar threads
- · Replies 59 ·
- · Replies 13 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
High School
Does movement affect H2O freezing temperature?
- · Replies 16 ·
- · Replies 34 ·
Electrical
Miniature Turbines for a solar collector
- · Replies 15 ·