Stirling Engines – The Future

June 30, 2007 by Kenney Jacob

Category: Tech

Author: Kenney Jacob

Hi, I am Kenney Jacob, love blogging about Education, Media hypocrisy and Social Issues.

Stirling Engines, not very popular, but really promising engines. Check out the features.

Closed cylinder engine
No Combustion and noise
Works on heat exchange
Any heat source can power the engine
Most efficient of all engines
Low Maintenance
Most suitable for solar concentrators

This is a very simple but feasible and effcient technology, yet relatively untapped, why ? I can see only one reason. The Energy Lobby. Stirling engines will surely replace the concept of centralized power production. Every home will have its own energy source, a Stirling engine powered by either concentrated solar energy, waste wood, or even biogas from sewage.

The Germans have the technology, buy it from them, mass produce it cheaply in india, subsidize to promote like we do for inefficient solar cells, and we are self sufficient.

I dream of having this on top of my house, my own powerhouse. A Solar concentrator and a Stirling engine. This is a 25KW station. Mine would be much smaller less than 5KW.

And Some interesting information – There was a company in Madras who manufactured 5KW Stirling engines for farmers. The fuel- wood, dried cow dung, and anything that burns and produces heat.

hi kenny.
good blog mate. nice ramblings on tech issues. i have a similar interests.
Telecom, Energy, Google etc..

One pointer that you may want to consider on why Sterling Engines are not widespread [and will never be widespread] :

A sterling engine needs a strange part called a ‘Regenerator’.
In hobby models I typically make it out of a strip of copper gauge rolled up and stuffed inside the tube connecting the 2 cylenders. A regenerator’s job is to collect the heat from the exhaust cycle and release it in the power cycle.

Have you wondered about the properties of an ideal regenerator that would be necessary for a hi-efficency sterling ?
An ideal regenerator is a Perfect Conductor and a Perfect Insulator at the SAME time !! think over it. Does such a material exist ? Can anything ever meet such a requirement ?

think thermodynamics ['the most efficient processes are totally revesible']
sterlings are good for the imagination. they are not all that good thermodynamically.

ashvini , new delhi india.

Comment by ashvini — July 4, 2007 @ 3:31 pm

There are very efficient installations in many parts of the world. Like the ones you are seeing in the picture. There are also many non electrical applications where the engine is suitable.

If you look at the stats the adoption is increasing.

Comment by admin — July 4, 2007 @ 3:48 pm

can some body give me the address of the company that maks / made stirling engine in madras?????

Comment by K.Gopalakrishnan — January 11, 2008 @ 4:29 pm

Ashvini,
The regenerator is simply used to increase the efficiency of the engine. the engine does not necessarily NEED it to operate. Considering we are discussing the use of solar energy as a fuel source (which is 100% free) the total efficiency is not that important.

Toby – Australia

Comment by Toby — May 27, 2008 @ 2:33 pm

I am a mechanical student.I am doing a project regarding the same topic.But i am searching for the stirling engine from abroad.Can anyone tell me the company that made stirling engine in chennai.

Comment by S.Praveen Kumar — August 31, 2008 @ 7:28 pm

http://www.stirlingengines.blogspot.com

Comment by dervis erol — September 1, 2008 @ 7:51 pm

Hi,
Can you tell me the cost of this engine to be built as a model
and what is the best and more efficient type ?

Comment by David S. Guirguis — October 5, 2008 @ 2:59 am

You say, “The Germans have the technology…” Do you have any contact info (preferably e-mail) to contact the owners of this technology? Would like to talk to them.

Also info about manufacturers of production models in the kW range would be very welcome.

Comment by Uwe Bruenjes — October 22, 2008 @ 3:15 am

I would like to know the plans for building stirling engine in KW range.If anyone know please tell about that.

Comment by S.Praveen Kumar — October 28, 2008 @ 5:49 pm

Hi Kenny!

Can you please tel me the name of company from Madras which makes Stirling engine?

Comment by Pradip — January 28, 2009 @ 5:22 pm

http://www.rakshanabiotech.com/services.html

this is the farm which makes sterling engines

Comment by sitesh — February 11, 2009 @ 7:21 pm

HI all,

I’m interested to know the company that makes/manufacture sterling engine to use with solar concentrator.

Comment by Raju Rimal — March 14, 2009 @ 11:17 am

Hi! All,
I am a renewable energy systems developer and promoter and also a Stirling machine enthusiast and I may have some useful information, you may email me for further information
Thanking you
Prabakar

Comment by T. Prabakar — March 31, 2009 @ 2:37 pm

Where can I buy it? and how do?

Comment by llp008008 — September 22, 2009 @ 1:19 pm

Hello, I’ve just stumbled upon this site while hunting on online as I am looking for some info on engine lifts!. It’s an interesting blog so I bookmarked this site and I will come back soon to allow more time for a proper browse when I have more time.

Comment by Kelly Kantor — November 28, 2009 @ 4:55 pm

we r also interested to make 5kw solar energy system in our area so pls.
contact us and some details about dish and engine

besr regards
atul patel

Comment by atul padariya — February 18, 2010 @ 10:33 pm

Hello,

I am pleased to inform everybody interested in Stirling engine, that I am (proprietor / owner / founder of SWEE Technologies, Pune – India) full time actively involved in project (self supported at this stage) to make available Stirling engines / Stirling Engine CHP Systems (Biogas / Solar) at economically viable cost to the interested buyers in India and other parts of the world.

How I plan to reduce the cost of the system and cost of the electric power:

* by mass manufacturing for mass market available
* using existing parts (as it is or with slight modification) available,
* using spare manufacturing capacity in the existing mechanical components manufacturing base already existing in India

How I plan to get required technical know how

* Develop own technology starting from scratch using basic theory / information available on the nest / books / research papers etc.
* Procuring technology from individual, research labs from Europe / Japan / USA
* Set up JV with existing companies from Europe / Japan / USA

Depending on the funding available a suitable option to get the technical know how will be selected.

Right now I have opted for option one, because it was only option possible with available funds.

Till date what is achieved / progress took place :

* Building first atmospheric pressure Gamma type Stirling Engine that will produce few watts of electrical power, not just spinning of flywheel
* Found out features / ideal specifications required by different parts of the Stirling engine and their effects on each other
* Developed own method to calculated dimensions of the different parts
* Procured different parts / material
* Fabricated different parts / test components
* Carried out different test till date on the fabricated parts and material procured
* Finalized the basic design and size of the first Stirling engine

What is the next step:

* complete the building of first Stirling engine
* build solar / biogas based system using this engine
* work on bigger engine and pressurized air engine

Looking for Investors / financial support in the form of:

* loan
* Equity
* Seed Capital
* Angel investment

Please let me know if anybody is interested

Regards

Madhav Chowdhary

Mobile: 91-9623557207

Email: sweetechnologies@gmail.com

Comment by madhav Chowdhary — April 10, 2010 @ 12:33 pm

Hi,
I am from cochin too and surprised to know that there are others who are interested in stirling.
I am a strong believer in stirling.
Would be good to put our ideas together.

I feel the regeneration could be done better in a heat exchager with a refrigerant on one side. This will absorb and release the energy quickly- better than the copper wire.

Other ideas are mechnism to move the displacer piston only when the power stroke as well as the cooling stroke is complete.
Would appreciate the address of the manufacturer in India.
regards
tm

Comment by t mathew — April 14, 2010 @ 8:18 am

Chowdhary sab good morning……..
bohooot bohoor dhanay war … mubarak
kya keri help ker saktay hain.
1 KW stiriling engine banana hai.
Dear Chowdhary sir.
Congrate.. on success.
Can you help me please , for making 1kw stirling engine.
I have 12′ parabolic solar consentrator…
wwhere i live temprature cross 45 or 50 limits easily.
can you guid plz.

rab rakha
thank you.

kalash….

Comment by kalash — April 18, 2010 @ 11:45 pm

Mr. Kalash

Please contact me on my mobile or by email

or else give me your contact details

Comment by madhav — May 3, 2010 @ 11:26 pm

I have started manufacturing Stirling Engine powered Fan and it available for Rs 5000=00.

Also this Stirling Engine Powered Fan is available in kit form, ready to assemble for student, hobbyist etc.

This Fan Stirling Engine is also available with PMG integrated with it, for 7,500=00. this can be used to build solar dish Stirling engine system.
If you are interested in Purchasing it please contact me on my mobile or by email

or else give me your contact details, I will contact you.

Comment by Madhav chowdhary — May 27, 2010 @ 6:27 pm

I AGREE WITH SIR BUT I DONT KNOW WHERE TO GET MATERIALS TO MAKE MY OWN MODEL.
I HAVE ANOTHER INTERESTING MODEL IN AMERICAN STIRLING COMPANY

Comment by DLS — May 28, 2010 @ 8:55 am

Hi,.
Madhav chowdhary,
i’ve gone thr ya posts on the wedpage, i am intrested in the concept of sterling engines, my brother is R&D head of MindTree limited(Bamgalore), we are working on the sun tracker for sterling engins……… and im a manufacturer of Chemical Fertilizers based in karnataka,
lemme know if i could be of good help to ya,..

Thank ya…………

Comment by Rahul N — June 6, 2010 @ 8:36 pm

Hello Mr. Rahul,

Let me know how you want to get involved in Stirling engine manufacturing activity.

Comment by Madhav Chowdhary — June 13, 2010 @ 9:23 pm

Hello DLS,

Let me know what material you need.

I can arrange it for you.

Comment by Madhav Chowdhary — June 13, 2010 @ 9:27 pm

Hi
Mr Chowdhary
Your phone number doesnt work any longer

Call me @ 948 654 3003 any time

Other too can contact me
regarding stirling engines only
Thanks

Comment by M Mullai — August 8, 2010 @ 11:20 am

Hi
Mr.Chowdhary,I am very much interested in production and marketing of stirling engines.I would like to meet you in person to discuss about it.

bvreddy

Comment by B.VENKATA REDDY — August 13, 2010 @ 11:37 pm

hi all,
i am a final year mechanical engineering student from Bangalore. i am a Stirling engine enthusiast and so wanna do my final year project on this. someone please help me out as soon as possible, on how to begin with this idea and end up with the prototype of Stirling engine generator….

thank u

Comment by Vishwanath — August 27, 2010 @ 1:04 pm

hello,
Mr Chowdhary,
I am working on an application of sterling engine in a large scale.but i have insufficient data about the output mechanical power and torque relation for a solar power driven sterling engine….

I would really appreciate a quick response and some information regarding stirling engine..

my email id:dehury.biswanath@gmail.com

contact no:07504046366

thanx..

Comment by biswanath — August 28, 2010 @ 3:51 pm

Hi everyone. im a Stirling engines engineer from pune, India. having working in this field for past 2.5 years. I specialize in small stirling engines, currently making and selling toy Stirling engines. Stirling engines and renewable energy technologies are my passion. I have worked in area of large engines too but still a long way to go.

I also consult in designing prototyping of Stirling Engines.
my contact number is : 9370296108. email: subirbhaduri@gmail.com
i would be glad if i could help you guys in anyway.

Comment by Subir Bhaduri — September 13, 2010 @ 10:52 am

Got a question for mechanics experts: I have a bike generating 11bhp/8kw (unimpresive right?). How big will a 8kw sterling engine (and radiators and other support equipment) be? My guess is: a paint drum. And costs?

I checked out the workings and it seems low-maintenance and reliable thanks to the simplicity. I also would love a kilowatt installation. Can it use STORED heat (like a tank of oil at 120 degrees) effectively to ensure night-time use?

Comment by jesvin — September 13, 2010 @ 12:29 pm

There was one such installation in Vellore Institue of Technology when I studied there. It was not operational most of the time, due to some unknown reasons.

Comment by Sachin — September 13, 2010 @ 12:41 pm

Hi there,. Mr. Jesvin. the ST-5 engine manufactured in Chennai, India some time ago used to give out 5kW of mech power, at 8% efficiency, and would require 4 people to lift it. Stirlign engiens of 8KW would be much heavier, would require a car to be carried on, unless there is a crack in the innovation challenges of this technology!

Comment by subir bhaduri — September 20, 2010 @ 11:04 am

Hi everyone. there are sporadic posts everywhere on stirling engines and i though it would be great if we could have a dedicated site for it. iv started a blog http://stirlingenginesindia.blogspot.com/ . but please let me know if this is the best way to go. i feel/need a site where the stirling engines community of india can interact, and help eachother..
please comment, my email is subirbhaduri@gmail.com

thanks

Comment by subir bhaduri — September 24, 2010 @ 11:19 am

Hi..
Do you have any working model of your STARLING ENGINE like videos etc. If it.s possible then please upload it or send it to me as a proof.

Thank you.

Comment by DEBASISH BANERJEE — October 26, 2010 @ 10:21 pm

Hello Kenny Jacob
We are final year mechanical engineering students from thrissur planning to make a Stirling engine as our final year project.We have a copy of Stirling engine manual by William R Martini and we are trying to make a design of alpha type Stirling engine but was not successful to that extend .
So it will be very helpful if you give us some support to make it.
Please do reply.
Please give your contact details so that we can contact u as soon as possible.

from
Sajith U .K,T.R Sreesastha Ram,Christy Mathew,Vineeth Gopinathan

Comment by mechancial engineering students, thrissur — December 3, 2010 @ 3:44 pm

why not all stirling engine enthusiasts get together and set up an R&d Lab some where and put an dedicated efforts towards this technology.

Yogesh thakur

Comment by Yogesh Thakur — January 7, 2011 @ 11:42 am

I came to know thru hearsay that someone in IISc,Bangalore has developed it.
If anyone can give me the details or name I wish to meet them.

Comment by R.Sekhar — January 20, 2011 @ 10:53 pm

how many revolutions per minute can the biggest stirling engine run.

Comment by mugumya collins. — April 5, 2011 @ 4:11 pm

I’m working on a new mechanical architecture for hot air engine. Stirling engine is not efficient. the main reason is: the regenerative system is also a dead volume and the temperatures at the begenning of the two isothermal processes are not correct. Then the best is to change the two isochoric processes by adiabatic.

What we get ? A Carnot engine, much better!

Serge Klutchenko

Comment by Klutchenko Serge — October 26, 2011 @ 2:38 pm

I am pleased to inform you that, we have now started batch producing Stirling Engine Powered Fan,

1. Stirling Engine with Flywheel, natural cooling of cold end (cost Rs. 5,000=00 / US$ 125=00)
2. Stirling Engine Powered Fan (cost Rs. 7,500=00 / US$ 190=00 )
3. Stirling Engine Powered PMG, natural cooling of cold end (cost Rs. 10,000=00 / US$ 250=00)
4. Stirling Engine Powered PMG, forced air cooling of cold end (cost Rs. 15,000=00 / US$ 375=00)
5. Stirling Engine Powered PMG, forced water cooling of cold end (cost Rs. 25,000=00 / US$ 625=00)

The shipping charges are extra as actual.

For customers outside India, we have also started shipping Stirling Engine Powered Fan, through EMS and DHL, depending on the buyers choice.

Shipping charges for shipping through EMS is around are US$ 25=00, for sending one kg parcel to most parts of the world.

and

Shipping charges for shipping through DHL are US$ 100=00, for sending one kg parcel to most parts of the world.

Please have a look at the video of the Stirling Engine, that we have built for the buyer from Canada.

The link for the first video (of Stirling Engine fitted with 4 inches flywheel, weight 500 gms) uploaded on You Tube is given below,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSeiRQ1Ekwo

Also please have look at second video (of Stirling Engine fitted with 9 inches fan blade) uploaded on You Tube, on link below,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yFvOjDU06w

If you are interested in purchasing the Engine, please let me know how you want to proceed.

Please have look at our website,
http://www.stirlingengineindia.com

Also, please also have look at

http://www.solarfire.org

http://www.solarfire.org/Stirling-Engine-Video-Update

http://www.solarfire.org/More-Stirling-Videos

http://www.solarfire.org/SWEE-Technologies,129

http://www.solarfire.org/Rider-Ericson-Sterling-Engine

Please have look at the video of Stirling Engine Powered Fan operating on Spirit Lamp, uploaded on You Tube, having following link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxWjf2KjIPQ

For RPM please have look at following video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0WiievA4WU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFXS1wua0m0

After successful completion of building and running our first Stirling Engine, we have started working on 15 nos batch and 100 nos batch production, of the Stirling Engine Powered Fan, shown in the video.

Out of the 15 nos batch under production, total thirteen nos of Stirling Engine Powered Fans are already booked in advance by buyers (one no. from Canada, one no. from Switzerland, one no. from Germany, one from Spain, one from Italy, one from Greece, one from China, six nos from India) and we have received payment for the same.

We are building PMG (Permanent Magnet Generator) and water pumping version of this Stirling engine.

Also we are building set up for the above Stirling engines to operate them on

1. Solar (by building suitable parabolic reflector dish)
2. Bio gas (by building suitable bio gas generator plant)
3. Producer Gas (by building suitable gassifier)

Also we are building bigger engines of similar type by scaling up (20 times, with total height up to 6 feet) the current design.

Apart from this we are also building Stirling Engine with different designs, configurations and different level of power output (with out put from 5 watt to 50 kw).

Please let me know your interest in the same

Looking forward.

Thanking you
With Regards

Madhav Chowdhary
(founder/owner)

SWEE Technologies
Pune (India)

Mobile: +91-9623557207

email: sweetechnologies@gmail.com

Comment by Madhav Chowdhary — October 29, 2011 @ 9:40 pm

Hello sir,
i’m a mechanical engineering student doing project on solar stirling engine,part of that i require to buy a model n some useful information. So please help me where to buy n recommend me some use full information.waiting for your reply .thank you.

Comment by manikanth — December 22, 2011 @ 6:55 pm

hello, Kenny, Madhav
i am also very much interested in this technology “Sterling Generator”. where i live, things like electricity could easily become a myth sooner than expected. so i want to build my own stirling generator producing about 5KW of power. i have no experience whatsoever, but i cen get help. what i need is a diagram/plan or knowhow of how to build the generator, i am trying to build it mainly out of scratch/old motor parts and scrap.

when i first found out about this technology, i was very much interested but when i realised that it is a very new thing in India, it began to dull my enthusiasm, then i found this website.

i believe you can help me. please let me know.
thanks

Comment by pkmawi — January 10, 2012 @ 2:51 pm

Disruptive Technologies, Education and Some Social Issues Disruptive Technologies, Modern Education, Shrouded Social Issues and Dirty media propaganda

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Stirling Engines – The Future

Author: Kenney Jacob

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