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Heat Engines / Re: Solar generator works day and night

« Last post by ROB25038072 on November 27, 2025, 11:17:45 am »

Quote from: CG on November 27, 2025, 10:01:24 am

If you watched RMS version of the Rice engine with gravel, I improved it a lot by using acetone in it instead of water. It almost was an LTD Stirling engine. Basically a thermo acoustic engine.
I just have an aversion to rubber balloon as the piston. Would like to try an actual piston and flywheel.

I missed that one but I’ll have look. This chap down in Cornwall seems to make a pretty good job of DIY sterling engines https://youtube.com/@shanepomeroy?si=7mGlljXL5mj2lKpe although they tend to be wood fired.

Heat Engines / Re: Solar generator works day and night

« Last post by CG on November 27, 2025, 10:01:24 am »

If you watched RMS version of the Rice engine with gravel, I improved it a lot by using acetone in it instead of water. It almost was an LTD Stirling engine. Basically a thermo acoustic engine.
I just have an aversion to rubber balloon as the piston. Would like to try an actual piston and flywheel.

Heat Engines / Re: Solar generator works day and night

« Last post by ROB25038072 on November 27, 2025, 09:39:10 am »

I think your biggest challenge is convincing your good lady wife to let you build it!

I know that for me, I will have already lost that discussion and we’re not even married yet. We are engaged now though, I propose earlier this month.

Heat Engines / Re: Solar generator works day and night

« Last post by CG on November 26, 2025, 07:19:35 pm »

I think this one does the same thing. But uses water.
https://youtu.be/5EsbKbVRe38?si=JRUVshi38Ln0ZplI

Heat Engines / Re: Solar generator works day and night

« Last post by CG on November 26, 2025, 05:52:59 pm »

Me too

Heat Engines / Re: Solar generator works day and night

« Last post by ROB25038072 on November 26, 2025, 01:55:41 pm »

I can see that working in principle but the efficiency would be quite low. I think a phase change material might make for a better thermal battery. Paraffin wax bricks maybe?? With a Fresnel lens or parabolic reflector to boost the heat. A ground loop would provide a constant cold sink.

Heat Engines / Solar generator works day and night

« Last post by CG on November 24, 2025, 03:58:04 pm »

Since Stirling engines work on temperature differentials Maybe this idea could supply power day and night.
The black concrete acts as a thermal battery soaking up and holding heat for long periods. It could generate 24 hrs around the clock. Just an idea I had.