Stirling Cycle Hot Air Engine

Product Description

Description of Stirling Cycle Hot Air Engine: The cycle on which the engine is based consists of two isothermal processes and two constant volume processes (the latter being performed with the aid of a regenerator). The source of heat is provided from a low voltage electric element so that it may readily be controlled and measured. Output is measured by the simple dynamometer supplied. The engine has one working cylinder and a transfer cylinder arranged side by side in open communication one with another but without any intervening valve mechanism. The power cylinder has a single acting piston connected to the crankshaft while the transfer cylinder has a double acting displacer piston and regenerator operated by an eccentric, the phasing of which can be altered in relation to the crankpin of the power cylinder. The optimum phase angle can be determined and rotation can be reversed. The heating element is located at one end of the transfer cylinder, which is made of pyrex glass, so that the element and the transfer piston can be clearly seen. Relatively little information exists concerning the detail design of small hot air engines and this engine was designed from first principles with the aid of a computer to determine the optimum proportions of the various working elements. A variety of experiments can be carried out and the effect on performance of the use of gases of different specific heat ratio can be established. By means of the transparent cylinder the temperature of the element may be seen to fall as heat is extracted from it when the engine starts from rest.Applications of Stirling Cycle Hot Air Engine: Cyclic compression and expansion of airClosed-cycleStudy of Hot air engineEffect on performanceUse of gases of different specific heat ratioTemperature differentialRegenerative heat exchanger Specifications of Stirling Cycle Hot Air Engine: Stirling Cycle Hot Air Engine with integral power pack incorporating a variable voltage control and ammeter and furnished with prony dynamometer . For operation on 220/240V, 50Hz single phase supply, other power supplies are available to special order. Demonstrates conversion of heat energy into workSuitable for bench top use.Engine to have one working and one transfer cylinderWorking cylinder to have single acting piston.Transfer cylinder to have double acting displacer pistonLow voltage electrical element heat source.Output measured by 0-200 gm spring dynamometerIntegral power pack, incorporating a variable voltage heater control and ammeter.Complete with hanger and masses.