This book provides invaluable and detailed information on building and optimizing Stirling engines. It's clear organization and the clarity of explanations and instructions have made the original Italian language version of this book a huge success with Stirling Engine enthusiasts. All 260 pages are printed entirely in color and contain a large number of photos and illustrations. 18 of the authors' miniature engines are presented, each with a technical description, geometric characteristics and performance data, photos, and engine technical data sheets. "Excel" files for the necessary calculations can be obtained free of charge by sending an e-mail to the author. These were created by the author for each type of engines, namely Stirling Alpha, Beta, range engines, Ringbom (vertical and horizontal cylinder) and Manson. These make it easy to both design an engine and optimize it; these calculations include all engine volumes, both functional and "dead". The text is organized so it can be understood by readers with varying degrees of knowledge: to facilitate reading, we have grouped the mathematical notes that are not essential for initial understanding at the end of the relevant chapters. The basic thermodynamic concepts are explained in these notes. The text concerns two engines types: the Stirling (including the Ringbom model, which is the best known), and the Manson, sometimes called the Ruppel engine. There are similarities between the two theoretical cycles used in each; in one respect, however, they differ considerably: the cycle used in a Stirling engine produces mechanical energy by utilizing a gas that is hermetically sealed inside; in fact, the seal is not perfect: some inevitable minor losses occur. In contrast, the Manson is not a closed cycle. The engine that uses the Stirling cycle can be made in three configurations, generally called Alfa, Beta, Gamma, in addition to a fourth, the Ringbom type, in which the displacer is "free", i.e. not connected to the crank mechanism. An important consideration for the Beta and Gamma types is the optimization of output power by establishing the correct ratio between the volume of the displacer and the volume of the working cylinder, factoring different temperatures. Efficiency is calculated and examined. The book begins with the Gamma type, which is the easiest to understand, then the remaining Alfa, Beta and Ringbom types, the latter a "free-piston" engine, and concludes with the Manson type.

Here is everything you need to know to build your own low temperature differential (LTD) Stirling engines without a machine shop. These efficient hot air engines will run while sitting on a cup of hot water, and can be fine-tuned to run from the heat of a warm hand. Four engine projects are included. Each project includes a parts list, detailed drawings, and illustrated step-by-step assembly instructions. The parts and materials needed for these projects are easily obtained from local hardware stores and model shops, or ordered online. Jim Larsen's innovative approach to Stirling engine design helps you achieve success while keeping costs low. All of the engines described in this book are based on a conventional pancake style LTD Stirling engine format. These projects introduce the use of Teflon tubing as an alternative to expensive ball bearings. An entire chapter is devoted to the research and testing of various materials for hand crafted bearings. The plans in this book are detailed and complete. This collection of engine designs is a stand-alone companion to Jim Larsen's first book, "Three LTD Stirling Engines You Can Build Without a Machine Shop."

My history with stirling engines. -- A brief history of stirling engines. -- The stirling engine explained. -- What makes a good striling engine? -- Working with aluminum. -- Working with acrylic. -- Thermoforming vinyl. -- Tools needed for these projects. -- Engine #1 - the reciprocating stirling engine. -- Engine #2 - horizontal flywheel magnetic drive stirling engine. -- Engine #3 - vertical flywheel magnetic drive stirling engine. -- Appendices.

Do you know how to make a working engine from soda cans? You do now! The Quick and Easy Stirling Engine book will show you every detail you need to know. There are no difficult secrets and no expensive parts to buy. With two soda cans and a few other materials you can build a running engine in just a few hours.The engine featured in this book was designed for use in educational settings. Consulting with several educators, this engine was designed so that it could be assembled with simple hand tools by most builders in about three hours. The parts list is simple and affordable. Simple hand tools are all that is required for assembling this engine.Once assembled, the engine will spin a flywheel when the bottom is heated and ice is placed on top. This is a hot air engine design, sometimes referred to as a Stirling Engine. The engine makes motion by exercising a temperature differential. The bottom half of the engine must be warmed to about 250 degrees F, and the top of the engine must be cooled with cold water or ice. When these conditions are present, the engine will spin between 100 and 200 rpm.The primary components of this engine are soda cans, copper wire, and an old CD. The adhesive that is used for construction is readily available at hardware stores. This engine is a fun project for students, home builders, hobbyists, and anyone who wants to learn how to make their own hot air engine from soda cans.

Presents eleven projects demonstrating how to build simple, fun, and educational Stirling engines from available kits.

A lucid introduction to the Stirling Engines, written primarily for laymen with little back ground in Mechanical Engineering. The book covers the historical aspects, the conceptual details as well as the brief steps in making a simple working Stirling Engine model.