What are the design considerations for a 5kW Stirling engine?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design considerations for a 5kW Stirling engine, particularly in the context of solar energy applications. Participants share their experiences, challenges, and suggestions regarding the construction and efficiency of Stirling engines, as well as the feasibility of sourcing components and plans.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Vidarth inquires about the cost and feasibility of building or purchasing a 5kW Stirling engine for solar energy conversion.
  • Some participants note that off-the-shelf Stirling engines are specialized and expensive, suggesting companies like infiniacorp for solar systems with tracking mirrors.
  • There is a consensus that while making a Stirling engine can be straightforward, achieving efficiency is challenging, often requiring a thermal recuperator and specific design considerations such as using two pistons.
  • One participant suggests looking into Stirling engine electrical generators used in boats as a practical starting point for design.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the viability of solar-powered Stirling engines, citing significant challenges and inefficiencies associated with low-temperature sources.
  • Some participants discuss the potential for reducing manufacturing costs by sourcing off-the-shelf components and modifying existing engines, such as using parts from old air conditioning compressors.
  • There are suggestions for alternative designs, including using model airplane engines and specific pipe fittings to create a cost-effective Stirling engine.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that while constructing a Stirling engine is feasible, achieving efficiency is a significant challenge. There are multiple competing views regarding the practicality of using solar power and the best approaches to design and component sourcing.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions about efficiency, component availability, and the challenges of using solar energy as a heat source. There are unresolved questions regarding the specific designs and modifications that would be most effective.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for engineering students, hobbyists interested in alternative energy, and individuals exploring the practical aspects of Stirling engine design and construction.

vidarth
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Hey,

I'm an electrical engineering student and I'm trying to design a solar dish which converts the heat from sunlight into electricity. I managed to make a small stirling engine with the results i got from google (The stirling engines made from coke cans). I was wondering how costly it would be to actually make or even buy a stirling engine of about 5 KW capacity.
Please reply if you have any experience with working with stirling engines.

Thank you,
Vidarth
 
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Making the Stirling engine is easy. Its making one that's efficient which is tough. In order to get even reasonable efficiency a thermal recuperator is required. The more efficient and less complicated designs use two pistons with a the recuperator in between them.

http://blog.steamshift.com/wp-content/uploads/moved/stirling_engine.gif

Making something like this for 5kW would be a bit challenging but certainly doable if you got a mill on hand. If you don't have access to a machine shop, I would look at stirling engine electrical generators used in boats as a starting point.
 
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Topher925 said:
Making the Stirling engine is easy. Its making one that's efficient which is tough. In order to get even reasonable efficiency a thermal recuperator is required. The more efficient and less complicated designs use two pistons with a the recuperator in between them.

http://blog.steamshift.com/wp-content/uploads/moved/stirling_engine.gif

Making something like this for 5kW would be a bit challenging but certainly doable if you got a mill on hand. If you don't have access to a machine shop, I would look at stirling engine electrical generators used in boats as a starting point.

Hey thanks a lot. Can you post some links about plans for a 5 kw stirling engine as i have access to a machine shop at university. Also do you know if any companies sell these commercially?
 
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Check out a group on Yahoo called SESUSA. Somebody there could help you out. I don't think you'll have much luck getting one to run off of solar power. People have spent millions trying to do it right and they could never make it affordable, despite decent results from the engine. Most the engines made at home aren't very efficient so starting with a low temp source like solar will probably doom you.
 
I have been "collecting" various yard related engines for this kind of purpose. you can decrease your cost of manufacture significantly with pistons, cylinders, and crank assy's "off the shelf. I am still looking for some "scroungable" engine with 90 degree cyl spacing, but the closest so far is an "old Mopar" air conditioning compressor. search google books for hot air engines and you should yield up some added info in a historical sense, but it still helps.

dr
 
Topher925 said:
Making the Stirling engine is easy. Its making one that's efficient which is tough. In order to get even reasonable efficiency a thermal recuperator is required. The more efficient and less complicated designs use two pistons with a the recuperator in between them.

http://blog.steamshift.com/wp-content/uploads/moved/stirling_engine.gif

Making something like this for 5kW would be a bit challenging but certainly doable if you got a mill on hand. If you don't have access to a machine shop, I would look at stirling engine electrical generators used in boats as a starting point.

When I look at that picture the first thought is a model airplane engine, the second thought is a TEE pipe fitting, two opposed pistons in regular pipe sleeves, and a special machined aluminum or copper top sleeve. Charge it with propane and it should be a very cheap way to build. (use X or XX pipe fittings).

Bore the TEE through the center and weld a short nipple on each side to hold crankshaft bearings, then a pipe cap on each side will make a leak proof design.

To take power off don't forget about magnetic couplers, there are units that transfer a lot of power.

Ron

P.S. I have no idea what power, but 4" might get close?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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