Stirling engine to electric motor

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the feasibility of using a Stirling engine to power a generator for an electric motor in a vehicle. Participants highlight the low power-to-weight ratio of Stirling engines, which poses significant challenges for vehicle performance. The proposed design includes a large metal sphere in a vacuum-sealed container to enhance heat capacity. Additionally, regenerative braking is mentioned as a potential consideration to improve efficiency, although it complicates the design further.

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  • Basic principles of regenerative braking systems
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Does anyone know what stirling engine could be used to power a generator which in turn powers an electric motor? I am thinking of using this concept in a vehicle.

A diagram is here:


It shows a metal sphere in vacuum sealed container. It would be connected to by a retractable contact, which would power a generator, which would power a motor.
 
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Sure. The difficulty, though, is that sterling engines have a very low power to weight ratio, so you won't get much performance out of your vehicle.
 
What options do you know of?

I am aware of constraints for stirling engines. That is why the metal sphere would be large and made of metal with a high heat capacity. Regen braking might be a consideration, but this already enough of a challenge as it is. Hopefully efficiency of stirling engines and electricity and the simplicity of the layout should yield nice results.
 

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