Optimizing Fluidynes

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objectives for this project are to develop a stable Fluidyne Stirling Engine that can be created based on simple jet-feedback designs using glass tubing, from school and parts available at hardware stores. The design will be large and simple, allowing the engine to run as long as it has power and will be easy to adjust variables and find the most efficient configuration Methods/Materials Using a variaty of parts donated by my school, found in my garage and purchased at local hardware stores, A stirling fluidyne engine was built based on previous research. A hallogen light bulb was used to power the engine. A transformer was used to test the engine test its affectiveness at different power levels for each variable to determine the ideal configuration for the fallowing variable: The amount of water in the power column, the type of working gas, the placement of the heat source, and the use of a regenerator. Results The optimal configuration was found to be: Helium gas as the working air, a regenerator on the hot side of the displacer(where the teperature gradient is greatest), Minimal water in the power column, and when the heat source is placed at least 4 cm beneath the meniscus. The engine has runs as long as it has power. An unstable operating mode was discovered when too much heat was applied to the engine. Conclusions/Discussion 1) An engine that can run as long as heat is supplied has been created using commonly available parts, proving my hypothesis correct a. It has run for over 9 hours straight without any performance drop 2) The engine has been adjusted to run for optimum performance a. Helium-filled displacer b. Regenerator on the hot side of the displacer c. Minimal water in the power column d. The heat source placed at least 4 cm beneath the meniscus 3) Because this Fluidyne only runs when the water is vaporized it can no longer be classified as a Stirling engine but rather a hybrid steam-Stirling engine. 4) I was wrong in following areas of my hypothesis: a. The engine will run better with more liquid in the power column b. The engine will run better when the heat is placed at the meniscus

Awards (1)

• Category Award

Competition history

• CSEF 2002 Applied Mechanics/ Structures & Mechanisms/ Manufacturing · Entry S0221

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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