MM06 - The Can engine
| Technical details |
| Year of construction |
1999 |
| Power piston |
stroke |
7,5 mm |
| |
diameter |
16 mm |
| Displacer piston |
stroke |
15 mm |
| |
diameter |
64 mm |
| Flywheel |
diameter |
60 mm |
| |
material |
aluminum |
| Idle speed |
100 rpm |
| Energy source |
heat from warm hand |
| Mass |
240g |
Description:
Since low temperature difference Stirling engines seemed worthwhile and
challenging projects, I became excited about building the "tin can engine"
described in Dieter Viebach's book "Der Stirlingmotor einfach erklärt
und leicht gebaut" ["The Stirling engine -- A simple introduction
and straightforward designs"] (Ökobuchverlag Staufen; 2nd edition 1999;
ISBN: 3-922964-70-2).
I heeded all hints provided by the author, but the engine still proved
troublesome: Although it runs very well and smoothly if put into a cup of hot
water, it refuses to function on just the heat of my hands. I may have to rework
it once again, i.e. decrease leakage and lower friction by replacing the acetal
piston by one made of graphite and by addding a PTFE bushing to support the
displacer piston rod.
Or are my hands simply too cold? ;-)
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