Heating a Heat Engine - Efficiency Calculation

[Tawaffles]

Hi.

Im trying to measure the efficiency of a heat engine. I therefore need to work out what the input energy is to the heat engine.

I have two problems. Firstly, how should I measure the heat going into the stirling rather than the heat coming out of the heater. Is it ok to measure the temperature of the heat engine as an indication of the heat input energy?

Secondly, should I be trying to put in a contstant temperature, or constant heat energy? So, should I be saying, I need my heater to keep it at 18C or should I say, I need to be putting 5KW into into constantly?

Im trying to compare the mechanical output to the heat input.

James

 

[cragar]

Maybe try something with calorimetry.

 

[WarVsFutility]

The actual amount of usable energy you should be able to use with a heat engine should be the related to the difference in temperature between your heat source and your heat sink.