Make A Stirling Engine From Pop Cans and Glue
The Stirling engine dates from the 1800's but it is finding applications currently to generate electricity using sunlight.
A large scale application using this technology is being built by Sterling Energy Systems in Southern California.
Stephen F. Austin State University provides plans and instructions for making a Stirling Engine for people interested in some hands-on learning about how these engines work.
This is the parts list -
» Three diet shake tin cans (e.g. Slim Fast, Adkins, etc.)
» Three soft drink aluminum cans (one taller 12 oz can if available)
» JB Weld Epoxy
» Red High-Temp RTV Silicon Gasket Maker
» 2" or longer straight pin (e.g. yarn darner)
» 3/4" to 1/2" PVC Elbow (outer diameters 1-1/4" and 1")
» Small balloon
» Flat washer and nut
» Metal coat hanger
» Old CD
» Wire nut to connect coat hanger to CD (optional)
» Wooden base and wood screws (optional)
» Tin snips or stainless steel scissors, pliers, can opener, hammer
This YouTube movie shows a small hand held parabolic dish and a Sterling engine to demonstrate the concept of turning sunlight into mechanical energy - which could then be used to drive an electrical generator, hydraulic pump, compressor for refrigeration, etc.
At the end of the movie one of the people mentions a book, "Sunshine to Dollars" which you can read about at KnowledgePublications - Learning a Little More Every Day