Way to get a Stirling to start automatically?

[cyssis]

Hi!
I was wondering if there's anyway to get a Stirling engine started automatically (eg. without manually spinning a flywheel). Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks in advance!


Evan.

 

[cfellows]

While I would never say never, I've not heard of any way to make a self starting stirling. The flywheel will move a little as the air in the displacer cylinder starts to heat but not enough to turn the engine over. Don't know if a multi-cylinder engine would self start or not.

Chuck

 

[cyssis]

Hmm. Thanks, I'll try and figure something out. I'm trying to make a Stirling generator, and I want to automate it. I'll probably wind up using an old ratchet sprocket (out of a ratchet tie down system) as a flywheel, and move it using a thermocouple activated servo. This project is getting complicated.

Another question, although it may need to be addressed in a different topic. Is there anyway, prior to building, to gauge how large of a load I can turn with a certain size of Stirling engine? I would like to get a general idea of how large of an engine I would have to build to generate from 600-1000 watts (a 95VDC x 7.5 Amp DC motor or there abouts). I understand it would be 'big' but aside from that I have no idea how to calculate it. Is there a way to gauge the power of an engine by its displacement or piston movement?


Thank for the help,


Evan.

 

[HS93]

You may get an idea from

http://www.whispertech.co.nz/main/technology/

Peter

 

[Bogstandard]

This book might just help you overcome a lot of your problems. This chappie did what you are trying to achieve.

http://www.stirlingengine.com/ecommerce/product.tcl?usca_p=t&product_id=84

John