Can a Stirling engine be used in a car?

Absolutely, however Stirling engines do have a lack of torque and lower power densities compared to conventional ICE’s. As a result the application of a SE in a car would be best suited in a serial hybrid configuration.

Why don’t we use Stirling engines in cars?

Here’s the Short Answer: Stirling engines are not good for applications that need to change their power output levels quickly, like cars for example. Plus, they tend to be heavier (and more expensive) than gasoline or diesel engines of a similar power output.

What can stirling engines be used for?

Stirling engines are energy conversion devices that may be used as prime movers, refrigerating engines or heat pumps. Currently they are used commercially as cryogenic cooling systems and are under development as low noise, low emission automotive engines.

Are Stirling engines powerful?

Compared to an internal combustion engine of the same power rating, Stirling engines currently have a higher capital cost and are usually larger and heavier. However, they are more efficient than most internal combustion engines. Their lower maintenance requirements make the overall energy cost comparable.

Can a Stirling engine charge a phone?

A Stirling engine can produce energy with little-to-no emissions and can work practically everywhere. A cellphone charger doesn’t need a lot of energy. That’s why a Stirling Engine is perfect for this work.

Are Stirling engines really efficient?

You’ve probably heard that Stirling engines can be very efficient. In theory, Stirling engines can match the maximum theoretical efficiency of the Carnot cycle. In actual fact, some Stirling engines are very efficient ¹.

Could the Stirling engine be used for underwater applications?

The Stirling engine could be well suited for underwater power systems where electrical work or mechanical power is required on an intermittent or continuous level. General Motors has undertaken work on advanced Stirling cycle engines which include thermal storage for underwater applications.

When was the first Stirling engine invented?

Robert Stirling invented his first engine in 1816 and, at that time, it did compete well with the existing steam engines of the day in terms of power density. However, the first Stirling engines had a problem compared to the first Steam engines. The material that was available for building any kind of engines in the early 1800s was cast iron.

Can a Stirling engine be used as a heat pump?

Stirling engines also power the Japanese submarine Soryu class submarine and are rumored to power some new Chinese submarines ². It’s not immediately obvious when you look at a Stirling engine but every Stirling engine can be turned into a heat pump by attaching an electric motor to the output shaft and running the electric motor.