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-1200.webp)
KONTAX KS90 TRI SPIRAL BLUE STIRLING ENGINE |
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| LOW FRICTION | BALANCED | MICRON PRECISION |
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| THERMODYNAMICS | DESIGN | PERFORMANCE |
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THE SIMPLE STIRLING ENGINE CONCEPT
What is a Stirling Engine?Stirling engines convert a small temperature difference into motion. As long as one plate is warmer (about 5°c) than the other then the engine will run. It doesn't matter which plate is warmer, as long as the other is cooler. If you reverse the temperature differential, and cool the plate that was warm, and warm the plate that was cool then the engine will run in reverse. The Stirling engine is named after its inventor, Rev. Robert Stirling, who patented his idea in 1816. |
How do they work?Stirling engines work by cyclically heating and cooling the air inside the main chamber. As the air heats up it expands, and as it cools down it contracts. This expansion and contraction drives a small piston which in turn drives the flywheel. The clever thing about Stirling engines is that the mechanism for cycling the heating and cooling of the air is built into the engine in the form of the displacer, which is driven by the flywheel and moves the air from the warm side to the cool side and back again over and over. |
Eco-friendlyThe Kontax KS90 Low Temperature Differential Stirling Engine is the ultimate eco-friendly device, showing with one spin of the flywheel a clean and simple way of converting waste heat into motion. Because these engines rely on a temperature difference for operation, they will run on almost any source of warmth. Typical heat sources include hot coffee or tea, warm sunlight, CRT monitor, TV digibox and the human hand. |
EfficiencyBecause Stirling engines have a theoretical 40% greater efficiency than photo-voltaic (PV) panels worldwide energy companies are investigating using them as a way to provide energy in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Such companies use our full range of low temperature engines to demonstrate the principles behind generating electricity using Stirling engines. |
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Our kits are supplied in a custom foam insert which we have designed and made ourselves. This ensures that all the parts are safe and secure while in transit. It also doubles as an assembly aid, holding the engine still during assembly.
Instructions (Our engines are also available assembled) |
(KS90 solar kit shown) |
POWER IT BY....
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SunlightPower your engine by strong direct sunlight. Just flick the flywheel to get it started. The top surface will be the hot side and the bottom the cool side. All our 'solar' engines are optimised for solar power. |
Body HeatOur engines run on 10°C degree temperature difference. Your hands are 37°C, so in most climates (27°C or less) the engine will run from the heat of your hand. |
Warm DrinksPlacing the engine on top of a freshly made tea, coffee or boiled water will provide enough energy for it to run fast. Usually run for over 30 minutes on one cup. |
Ice CubesPutting an ice under the engine will make it run in reverse (hot side on the top). You can also place the ice cube on top. |
ENGINE FEATURES
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MATERIALS
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MAIN DIMENSIONS
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