Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Discussion on Stirling or "hot air" engines (all types)
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Trevor
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:07 am

Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Trevor »

Hi all - I am nearing the end of completing my diaphragm Sterling engine. I have seemed to have worked out the throw for the diaphragm and wondering if anyone else has tried this idea on the forum. I have looked at a couple of videos of Approtechi Utube ones and they seem pretty impressive.
I have finished making or I should say converting a kerosene burner into a methylated spirit one and it works fine.

Can any one help me on how to add pictures and or attachments to the forum, because when I try they don't seem to download and just leaves a [img] and nothing else.

Trevor
Ian S C
Posts: 2218
Joined: Thu Dec 02, 2010 5:15 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Ian S C »

Thank goodness Trevor, I thought it was just me, I'v been having the same trouble.
Ian S C
Trevor
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:07 am

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Trevor »

Whoops! looks like there will be no photos or attachments then.
I am into making the crankshaft now as all the rest is basically done. Painted even.
The crank is going to be difficult as I it is a beta Sterling and I am thinking of using a bell crank. Can't find an actual formula for it so I am going to make a cardboard mockup and get it right that way, and guess what Ian - going to use a stainless steel drink bottle heehee.
Trev
Administrator
Owner
Owner
Posts: 94
Joined: Mon Jan 30, 2006 9:04 pm

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Administrator »

I figured out why it was doing this.

I did an upgrade of the software and I guess it changed the setting back to the default settings. It should work again.

Darryl
Attachments
Buster.jpg
Buster.jpg (62.15 KiB) Viewed 16241 times
Ian S C
Posts: 2218
Joined: Thu Dec 02, 2010 5:15 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Ian S C »

Always wondered who was running the show, Hi Buster.
Ian S C
Trevor
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:07 am

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Trevor »

Beautiful Cat. Thanks Darryl
Trevor
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:07 am

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Trevor »

OK! the image thing doesn't work. I will try the attachment and see if it will go in. At least you will see the diaphragms I hope.
Trevor
Trevor
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:07 am

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Trevor »

Hmm! Ok Ian - How did you put in the image. It didn't seem to work for me.
Trev
Trevor
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:07 am

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Trevor »

OK I think I have it. These are the diaphragm.
Trev
Attachments
Top View
Top View
Diaphragm Top.jpg (139.64 KiB) Viewed 16236 times
Bottom View
Bottom View
Diaphragm Bottom View.jpg (139.38 KiB) Viewed 16236 times
Trevor
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:07 am

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Trevor »

These are all the pictures as of tonight. Having problem making the crankshaft with a bell crank design so going back to the old way.
I have ordered the brass flat bar stock to make the the crank throws. Maybe a couple of weeks or so should see this up and running with luck.More photos will follow as I progress. Trevor
Attachments
This is the water cooling idea of using copper tube. Quick and easy and very effective. There is heat sink compound used between the tube and displacer tube
This is the water cooling idea of using copper tube. Quick and easy and very effective. There is heat sink compound used between the tube and displacer tube
Water Tube cooler.jpg (51.53 KiB) Viewed 16235 times
A heat brick has been cut up to prevent heat from the fire box heating the aluminium base plate for the engine
A heat brick has been cut up to prevent heat from the fire box heating the aluminium base plate for the engine
Heat brick.jpg (46.04 KiB) Viewed 16235 times
Wooden uprights are being used for the crankshaft
Wooden uprights are being used for the crankshaft
Cranckshaft stand and water pipes.jpg (66.09 KiB) Viewed 16235 times
The top part basically shown complete with alignment post in position
The top part basically shown complete with alignment post in position
Cranckshaft stand and Diaphragm.jpg (117.42 KiB) Viewed 16235 times
The burner showing the pump up fuel container. This burner has been converted to methylated spirits.
The burner showing the pump up fuel container. This burner has been converted to methylated spirits.
Burner.jpg (68.14 KiB) Viewed 16235 times
Burner showing the attachment added to the jet outlet so it can run on meths.
Burner showing the attachment added to the jet outlet so it can run on meths.
Burner close up.jpg (57.9 KiB) Viewed 16235 times
Trevor
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:07 am

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Trevor »

Redoing my displacer for the engine. Looks a bit rough but it is only a cage to hold the stainless steel wool.
The one I had made earlier was made from two inverted tuna tins but had to much side clearance which was going to be a lot of dead space, hence, the redesign.
Has anyone else used this cage idea for a displacer?
Trevor
Attachments
The new displacer as shown - Yet to be filled with S/S wool
The new displacer as shown - Yet to be filled with S/S wool
Picture1.jpg (88.33 KiB) Viewed 16215 times
Administrator
Owner
Owner
Posts: 94
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Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Administrator »

This photo is a "linked photo".




Casey and Riley.
Image
Trevor
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:07 am

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Trevor »

Oh! What beautiful Dogs Darryl. Very inquisitive I think.
Trev
Trevor
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:07 am

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Trevor »

Have finished the new Displacer complete with its stainless steel wool. It seems to fit snugly in the displacer tube without too much friction.
When the brass stock arrives will then finish the crank and fire her up. Will post photos when she is running in a couple of weeks I hope.
Trevor :razz:
Attachments
The displacer now complete
The displacer now complete
Displacer Complete.jpg (79.4 KiB) Viewed 16164 times
Trevor
Posts: 228
Joined: Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:07 am

Re: Sterling Diaphragm Engine

Post by Trevor »

Thanks Kong. I only hope it will work! I have nearly finished the radiator cooler for it and just finished readapting a gear pump for the water pump.The ratio for the drive will be 3:1 gear driven.
Trevor
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