Dirt Napper
Stirling Engine
The Sterling Engine showcases thermodynamic elegance, converting heat into mechanical work through cyclic compression and expansion of gas. It operates at high efficiency with minimal entropy production compared to combustion engines. By harnessing temperature differentials, it reveals how energy flow and entropy interplay, emphasizing sustainability in closed-system energy transfer.
A small cup with hot water, an engine on top, and a small ice pack to create a temperature differential since I didn’t have the AC and it was in the 80s; increase the speed.
Note: You can reverse the temperature differential by adding ice to the bottom of the cup and placing a cotton ball soaked in warm water on top. This setup inverts the usual heat flow—demonstrating reversed thermal gradients. When heat is concentrated at the bottom, the wheel spins counterclockwise; when cold is at the bottom, the wheel spins clockwise.
Stirling Engine
The Sterling Engine showcases thermodynamic elegance, converting heat into mechanical work through cyclic compression and expansion of gas. It operates at high efficiency with minimal entropy production compared to combustion engines. By harnessing temperature differentials, it reveals how energy flow and entropy interplay, emphasizing sustainability in closed-system energy transfer.
A small cup with hot water, an engine on top, and a small ice pack to create a temperature differential since I didn’t have the AC and it was in the 80s; increase the speed.
Note: You can reverse the temperature differential by adding ice to the bottom of the cup and placing a cotton ball soaked in warm water on top. This setup inverts the usual heat flow—demonstrating reversed thermal gradients. When heat is concentrated at the bottom, the wheel spins counterclockwise; when cold is at the bottom, the wheel spins clockwise.