Stirling Engine
Item Code: RT 057
Stirling engines are heat engines which convert heat to kinetic energy (mechanical work). There are two cylinders in this engine and its cyclic operation is based on temperature discrepancy between two cylinders. Therefore a higher rpm is achieved when there is a larger temperature difference. By calculating the power produced by the shaft torque, you can calculate the cycle output. The heater which is located at the end of the first cylinder heats up the air inside the first cylinder and results in the volume increase and forces the piston to move. By using a load cell and the weights hanging from the pulley, and also considering the number of rotations of the engine shaft, the output mechanical energy and consequently the efficiency can be calculated.
