Given the rise, in recent years, of liquid fuel prices and concerns such as peak oil and climate change, it is no wonder there has been a tremendous interest on new ways to produce energy. Today we would like to share one that we have found out about: Stirling Engines.
A Stirling engine is a device that converts heat energy into mechanical power by alternately compressing and expanding a fixed quantity of air or other gas (the working fluid) at different temperatures.
Point focus parabolic dish with Stirling engine and its solar tracker at Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) in Spain
Solar Powered Stirling Engine Video
Even though originally conceived in 1816, it is still noted for its high efficiency, quiet operation and the ease with which it can utilise what would otherwise be wasted heat. Usually it is ran by the combustion of a fuel. Recently, however, stirling engines have been increasingly designed towards using another source of heat: the sun. New stirling engines can work using the heat of the sun and provide a new way for one to harness that energy without only relying on photovoltaic panels.
Furthermore, stirling engines are very easy to make with simple materials. Below are some links that where you can find instructions on how to make your own stirling engine. If you want it to be more environmentally friendly, simply use mirrors in order to link the sun’s rays into the stirling engine’s heat sinker.
Custom made Stirling Engine Solar Reflector
Links with instructions: