Curmudgeon 28 #1 Posted July 7, 2008 This kind of came up in another thread, yeah by me, and being it was off topic, as was pointed out ( I knew that, was just ignoring it, DETAILS! ) I thought it prudent to give it a life of it's own. Or a death. External combustion, piston driven, engines. Other than the typical steam engine which can be coal, wood, or otherwise fired, what other kinds of these engines are there? I've heard of the Sterling, but didn't think it had pistons, but then, without pictures, my memory fails me all too often. Anyone know of any? This is just getting me going. Pictures, links, or general descriptions of the operation is appreciated. It's been well proven that to "just search for so and so" will provide such a wide variety of results from search engine to search engine and computer to computer, it really doesn't provide much. (Note to moderators: This is one of those posts where I couldn't decide between the engine heading and the non-Wheel Horse heading, as both are appropriate in some manner. Put it where you see fit.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PetesPonies 0 #2 Posted July 7, 2008 a Sterling engine does in fact have pistons, two of them that work on opposing cycles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linen beige 14 #3 Posted July 7, 2008 a Sterling engine does in fact have pistons, two of them that work on opposing cycles. One type of Sterling engine has a large "flapper" that drives the crank. This is the type you see most often as a "toy". It can be placed over top of a cup of hot liquid and the rising air from the cup causes the flapper to cycle up and down. Since it isn't inside a cylinder would it still be called a piston? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curmudgeon 28 #4 Posted July 7, 2008 One type of Sterling engine has a large "flapper" that drives the crank. This is the type you see most often as a "toy". It can be placed over top of a cup of hot liquid and the rising air from the cup causes the flapper to cycle up and down. Since it isn't inside a cylinder would it still be called a piston? Ah, the "toy" kind is what I was picturing in my mind then! Thanks guys! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PetesPonies 0 #5 Posted July 7, 2008 I was referring to a "real" engine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linen beige 14 #6 Posted July 7, 2008 I was referring to a "real" engine. I guess I should have used the word "model" instead of toy. These are now most commonly seen as small scale models of the full sized ones. They were used in the late 1800s on up until reliable deisel engines came into wide use. They had dismal power to size ratios, units the size of a house produce only a few horsepower, but since they work by using the "hot air rises, cold air falls" principle, they could harness the natural movement of air currents in mine shafts. They don't require conventional fuel to run (nature powered) and with no combustion were not a fire risk, and need very little maintenance. They could also be set up to harness the solar heated air in a large container in remote locations to run generators, pumps, and other machinery. They will run wherever nature provides the movement of air, so there are a few still in use today in areas where other fuel is scarce. Who knows, with fuel prices rising, maybe they will make a slight comeback? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,131 #7 Posted July 7, 2008 Here's some good information about the Stirling engine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redfordie 0 #8 Posted July 11, 2008 I cannot find the site this animation came from, but its for a 3-pot "sterling" engine: This is another sterling variant animation... (BTW, i could think of an applicable application for this that could do away with batteries and still keep someone happy, if you know what i mean ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curmudgeon 28 #9 Posted July 11, 2008 Interesting...... verrrrrrrrrry interesting.......... and yes, I get your drift..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redfordie 0 #10 Posted July 11, 2008 This guy builds and sells plans for all sorts of "desktop" model engines, including Sterlings http://www.jerry-howell.com/ He builds the most amazingly detailed and simple/intricate model engines i have ever seen. The symmetry and general style of these are just awesome: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,182 #11 Posted July 11, 2008 This is another sterling variant animation... I'd bet money that the engineer who designed the second one was enduring a "dry spell"... WTF? Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curmudgeon 28 #12 Posted July 12, 2008 I wish I had the capabilities to make such things. I wouldn't be driving a truck for a crap wage if I did, I'll tell you that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,352 #13 Posted July 13, 2008 Are these like the Rotary engines Mazda put out? Mike.......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rollerman 290 #14 Posted July 13, 2008 Are these like the Rotary engines Mazda put out? Mike a "Wankel" rotary engine is an internal combustion engine. It does not use any pistons though ....rather a triangular shaped rotor spining inside on a slight eccentric. They are a bizzare engine that run very smooth & can rev pretty high. Check out this link..... http://auto.howstuffworks.com/rotary-engine4.htm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curmudgeon 28 #15 Posted July 13, 2008 Are these like the Rotary engines Mazda put out? Mike.......... Not really. A rotary engine has a single, three sided, rotor that flops around inside an oval chamber. No pistons, no cylinders as we think of them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curmudgeon 28 #16 Posted July 13, 2008 Stephen beat me to it!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
