MadSci Network: Engineering
Query:

Re: Can a Stirling engine, on ice, generate electricity?

Date: Sun May 22 10:05:14 2005
Posted By: Jay Shapiro, Staff, Engineering, TA Aerospace
Area of science: Engineering
ID: 1116438767.Eg
Message:

That is a very good question! Unfortunately, there are some practical concerns that would prevent large scale power generation at the poles.

Although there is a massive supply of "cold" source at the poles, there is no reservoir of 'high temperature'. A Sterling engine requires a temperature DIFFERENCE (delta T) to operate. A small model, like your "coffee cup engine" will operate with a small delta T, but the amount of power produced is almost negligible. Delta T's of over 500 F are really needed to produce large amounts of power in a practical sized engine. A low delta T engine for power generation would need to be so large that it would not be workable. The poles can't supply the high temperature reservoir to achieve the needed delta T. for a reasonable Sterling engine to run.

A similar problem would exist if you tried to capture the high temperatures of say, the Sahara Desert. You would be lacking a low temperature reservoir to achieve a reasonable delta T to run the engine.

The link below is an excellent source of information on Sterling Engines. http://www.stirlingengine.com/faq/one?scope=public&faq_id=1

I hope that this helps!

Sincerly,
Jay Shapiro


Current Queue | Current Queue for Engineering | Engineering archives

Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Engineering.



MadSci Home | Information | Search | Random Knowledge Generator | MadSci Archives | Mad Library | MAD Labs | MAD FAQs | Ask a ? | Join Us! | Help Support MadSci


MadSci Network, webadmin@madsci.org
© 1995-2005. All rights reserved.