The History of the Hot Air Engine - From Heron to CHP - A Review

8/10/2019 The History of the Hot Air Engine - From Heron to CHP - A Review

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The history of the

Hot Air Engine

from

Heron

A review

to

CombinedHeat and

Power

CHP


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Why is the hot-air motor hardly used

today although it exists for over 2000

years?

Why is the hot-air motor still widelyunknown today although it has a very

simple principle of operation?

The answer is simple: as long as the

apparent energy costs are so cheap, -

today we pay 3,2 E-Cents* the kWh in

production (!)- and we continue as if

the energy follow-up costs were

irrelevant in equation with the financialexpenditures of energy, it just isnt

affordable!

Its only when individuals will have to

pay for their own CO2 production that

we can hope for the introduction of the

Stirling motor.

As long as we live in the wastefulness

of our energy-paradise, the Stirlingprinciple will stay in universities and

development-offices, in the military,

and the homes of the model-builders

and environmental-enthusiasts.

Only when we want to reduce the CO2

emissions through CHP (Combined

Heat and Power) so as to make better

use of the energy or to generate CO2

neutral electricitythrough renewable

resources, then the time of the

Stirling motor has arrived.

*actual Energy-mix in Germany

Source: BMWi

2000 years ago, simple hot-air

machines had been used to impress

believers.

200 years ago mobile power andrefrigeration machines were sought so

as to be able to work separatly from

the stationary hydro-power

installations and that there was ice

production not only in winter. These

were the prosperous times of the

Stirling engine. 70 years ago light,

remote power generators were soughtand the Stirling motor was further

developed. Today, due to the

environmental discussions, the

Stirling motor relives a rennaissance

as CHP, as solar motor or as CFC-

free refrigerator. This little story will

give a short summary of the hot-air

machines. Nowadays there are yearlyinternational Stirling engine

conferences. Stirling engines are

interesting and beautiful!

Model-machines are easy to build and

theyreward you with a quick sense of

satisfaction. The diversity of

construction styles allows the

individual a lot of room for creativity

and originality.

To see a model working is amazing

and a running model on the table

can be the source for a

conversation of many hours.

Stirling motors can simply impress!

G. Hennessy / H. Schmidt, 2010

The history of the hot-air motor

Preface

-3-


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Hot-air power in the 2nd century before the Christian era

-4-

Herons interesting installation for the opening of the door

into the inner-temple area.

When the sacrificial fire was lit, the heat expanded the air on the insideof the altar (a). This increased the pressure in the flask (b), being

partially filled with water. The water column was pushed via the tube

(c) into the container (d), which then is lowered and which then pulled

on a rope (e). This rope ran over two cylinders (f) which opened the

doors. When the fire was extinguished, the air pressure is normalised in

the altar and the water in the container is syphoned back into the flask

and a counterweight (g) closed the doors again. The uninformedtemple-goers must have believed without doubt in the existence of their

gods!

For a long time very little was known about the characteristics of air. It

has not been documented if other hot-air mechanisms have been used.

Heron from Alexandria lived in the 2nd century before the Christian era.

His most-known invention is the Aelopile, the first reaction-turbine.

1


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The mobile-power demands of the

Industrial RevolutionStirling, Ericsson, Rider, Lehmann, and many others.

-5-

The 19th Century was the high point of the hot-air

machines. The need for prime-movers was

enormous. There was nearly no alternative to theremote waterwheel (power station), the combustion

engine hadnt yet been invented, the steam engine

still was in its childrens shoes and, because of the

danger of explosion, was dangerous.

Before this time, people such as Leonardo da Vinci and Leibniz also

occupied themselves with hot-air drives. Documents were drawn-up,

however it is not known whether these machines really were ever built.

Two names are closely connected with

the hot-air engines:Robert Stirling

(1790-1878),a Scottish clergyman,

who gave the air engine its name, and

John Ericsson (1803-1889),anengineer born in Sweden, who went to

America via England, who built many

technically different machines. But

the large number of the manufacturers

and inventors of air engines has not yet

been completely investigated.

Buschbaum, Darmstadt 1876 Lehmann 1866

Ericsson 1853

Stirling 1815

2

3

4

5


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The mobile motive-power demands of

the industrial Revolution

-6-

1853: 300 H.P. Hot-air engine drive in the boat ERICSSON

6

7

Ericsson 1860

Large numbersof enginesproduced

Ericsson 1883Hot-air sun-motor8

9


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The mobile-power demands of the Industrial Revolution

-8-

Rider-Ericsson asWaterpump

Robinson 1889 Stirlingmotor as Fan

In 1905Ossian Ringbominvented an engine

which does not have any direct drive to the

displacer piston. Thus the engine runs in both

directions. The internal air pressure works on the

circular area of the piston rod and moves the

displacer piston.

From this idea, most probably, the free-piston

engines were developed.

Free-piston motor1870

Beale-Free-piston 1990 Beale-Free-piston 1974

15 16 17

18

19 20 21


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The electricity need in remote areas.

The Philips's idea 1937 - 1978

Most of today's stirling engines are based onthis development of Philips. A refrigerator for

the liquification of air is manufactured still by

a subsidiary.

The development was given up 1978, the licenses were sold (MAN,

FORD, UNITED STIRLING) and co-workers of the group resumed the

development at their own costs.

PHILIPS Rhombic-drive PHILIPS Swashplate-driveLicence went to FORD

-9-

Before the Second World War the Dutch company Philips looked for a heat-

driven power supply unit for radios. It should be used where it was simpler

to find the necessary combustible material than batteries.

Philips began with a research program, which

ran until 1978. The work led to important

results. Engines to 400 HP were built, for refri-

gerators to -200C, and heat pumps to 100C.

Stirling for radio 22

23 24


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The Stirling-renaissanceSun-driven

-10-

Solo, based in Sindelfingen,

Germany, has occupied itself with

the Stirling Technology and the

structure of solar Stirling-motors

since 1990. The metal diaphragm

parabolic reflector is supplied by

Schlaich, Bergermann and

partners, from Stuttgart. It produces

engines with a shaft output of 10

KW. Dish/Stirling plants can produce

solar electricity in sun-rich countriesvery efficiently which is a

meaningful development-aid.

SOLO, SBP 2002

Sandia - Dish/Stirling-System

Albuquerque, USA, with a SOLO Motor

In USASandia National

Laboratories andWGAhave

built a 46,5 m2 concentrator out

of glass/metal-sandwich elements

and a supporting structure. The

unit is successfully in operation

since the summer of 1999. Solarmotor bySUNMACHINE GmbH

25

to get sufficient motive power, the

factories must move to the sun-belt of

the earth, meant John Ericsson

already in 1850 and he built sun-driven hot-air engines.

Ericsson 1870 26

27

28


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The Stirling-renaissanceCombined Heat and Power

-11-

If the Stirling engine is heated withrenewable raw materials, the output

equales the CO2 admission with growth,

and is CO2 neutral in this case.

Unfortunately it is an irrefutable physical law that power stations can convert only 30to 55% of the assigned energy into electric current. Since these power stationsusually are located too far away from human settlements where the waste energycould be used as warmth, one must release this warmth into the atmosphere. Given thecheap energy prices, this is not really tragic but thereby much excess CO2 per unit is

produced unnecessarily.

Combined Heat and Power

(CHP)

Because the Stirling engine is

heated from the outside all

kinds of fuels can be used

-from gas, oil, etc, to biomass -

Therefore th Stirling is

outstanding suitable for the

production of combined heatand power (CHP) for the

final user.

Thus the assigned energy canbe better used and thus the CO2

output can be reduced.


12/24-12-

The Stirling-renaissanceCombined Heat and Power

Stirling, the air-independent driveAISP, Air Independent Stirling Propulsion

Since the Stirling engine needs

only warmth which is supplied

from the outside for the drive, it

is particularly suitable for

underwater drives.

The enterprise Kockums, inSweden, builds such drives

especially for submarines.

33

34

Pellet-driven CHP from SUNMACHINE GmbH

3231

Gas-drven CHP fromBOSCH-THERMOTECHNIK

Free Piston Stirlingengine

29 29

30


13/24-13-

In addition, to power an artificial heart a

AISP Stirling is suitable, whereby an alpha

isotope is used as a heat source.

Martini artificialheart 1967 35

Different thermal principles of the air engines.

Engine, cooler and heat pump

If the stirling engine is

driven, it produces

cooling. If the

direction of rotation ischanged, the cold and

the hot end exchange

themselves. By the

extraction of heat at the

cold end the entire

produced warmth is

higher than the power

of the used energy

(heat pump).

In the dark space (back moon, Mars crater, etc.) no solarpaddles can be used. Because of the reliability, a free-pistonStirling engine is in use. The heat source is an isotope.

6767

Stirling, the air-independent drive at spaceAISP, Air Independent Stirling Propulsion


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The Stirling - RefrigeratorWindhausen, Philips, AEG

-14-

Already in 1847 the cooling function of the Stirling engine was described by

Sir William Thomson(Lord Kelvin). This was -of course- revolutionary at

that time, because there was

only ice in winter in naturalform which had to be processed

to be stored until the summer

months for use. This rapidly

formed an industry , which

manufactured refridgerators.

These machines were used in

breweries and on cooling ships.

The environmental debate about CFC-

free refrigerators has made the stirling

refrigerator interesting again.

During the Philips developments the research

continued. These Machines are still being produced

today for the liquefaction of air and nitrogen.

Since the machines can be built substantially

smaller than Linde-refrigerators, they are well

suited for the cooling of mobile infrared sensors.

SOLO V161asrefrigeraor

For many years now and quite unnoticed by the

public Stirling-refrigeration units were applicated inlarge numbers for military use.

Windhausen refrigerator 1870

36

PHILIPSrefrigerator

37

Stirling-refrigeratorfor sensors

Motor

Refrigerator

3839


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Different working gassesAir, gas, water, metal

Usually the Stirling engine works with warm air (air engine). A loading

(piston pump), which can be managed easily, generates a large

performance increase.

-15-

The hot-air engine as toy.The big investment or only a speculation?

Around 1900 the first air engines emerged - in particular Stirling and

vacuum engines- in the catalogues of the sheet metal toy industry.

Maerklin, Bing, Carette, Schoenner, Plank, Hensel (REBI) supplied such

engines. Apparently no large numbers of items were manufactured, so

that toy engines from this time are in high demand and are expensive

today. Prices up to 3,000 Euros are no rarity. Out of ignorance such

engines are often offered on flea markets as steam engines. The on-lineauctions in the Internet give a good general view. Excellent information

is to be found in the book: Dampfspielzeug (steam toy) by

Kaiser/Baecker.

Modern machines normally work with gas,especially hydrogen or helium. This creates

an enormous increase in power output.

As a working medium one can use also metals or water. Liquid pistons

are also possible to be utilised. Generally this is a further research field

still to be explored.

West Motor with a liquid-piston

40

Malone Motor with aworking-medium of water

41


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The hot-air motor as toy

Investment or speculation?

Plankvacuum-motorca. 1920

REBIvacuum-Motor

ca. 1951

Carette Vacuum Motor ca. 1914

Mrklin4172/2

Stirling motorca. 1922

REBIvacuum-Motor

ca. 1948

-16-

67

Possibly the first

toy-Stirlingfrom SCHNNERAround 1900.

The chimneyis the cooler

68

69 70

71

72


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The function of the Stirling motor

Functioning:

The stirling engine does not possess

valves! Air (gas) is moved back and

forth by the displacer-piston. Thus air

isquickly heatedand cooled down.

The associated pressure change drives

the working piston. The displacer

piston is always offset 90 (or 270)

to the working piston. Thus the

direction of motion is clearly fixed.

-17-

The warmth is supplied

from the outside to thestirling engine, hence one

can use all kinds of fuels

or heat sources e.g. also

solar radiation. The

engine can be operated in

all positions.

If the cold end and the hot end is changed, the direction of rotation

will change.


18/24

Construction types:

Stirling, Ericsson, Ringbom,

Free-piston, Rupp, Roper, Vacuum-motor.

Hot-air Engines

EricssonExternal combustion

opencirculation

RoperInner combustionopen

circulation

StirlingExternal combustion

closedcirculation

VacuumExternal combustion

opencirculation

LTS- Low-temperature

Ringbom Free-piston Rupp

The advantage of the Stirling engine with is closed cycle is that it can be

charged easily. Also another gas can be used as working medium. All of

which contributes to an increased output.The stirling engine has also the highest thermal efficiency.

(like the CARNOT). Eta = (Tb-Te)/Tb [K]

-18-


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The large playing-field for the model constructors: The air engine.

In the meantime there are many working model engines for sale, by which

one can study the function of the stirling engine quite easily.

-19-

Simple

working

Stirling Models

A running

Stirling engine is

also a decorative

item on the desk,

which can give

rise to many

interestingdiscussions.

42 43

45

44

49

48

46

50 47


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The big playing-field of the model constructor: The hot-air engine

Because of the fact that the hot-air engine permits such a constructional

freedom and is relatively easy to build, the model constructor finds himself

in a large space in which to live his fantasy.

-20-

Real treasures can be

found in the photo-

galleries of the model

constructors and

collectors in the

internet.

52

57

58

61

51

59

60

64

53

54

56

62

63


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Epilogue

The hobbyist can get a sense of satisfaction very quickly when he or she

succeeds in building a functioning model from simple materials.

Unfortunately the working of the Stirling principle is not so easily

explained. try it out in your circle of friends! - The easiest and most

impressive demonstration of the functioning is with a SCHLAGENHAUF-MOTOR. The materials required can be found for just a few Euros in your

local hobby store.

-21-

This brochure gives a short historical review of hot-air engines. To hose who

would like to attain a more exact view into the history and the present state

of the development of the Stirling motor the following books can bereccommended :H ot Air Calori c and Stir li ng Engines, Vol 1, A H istor y, 331 S. bound, 27,5x19,5 cm,

1999, with numerous pictures and drawings, by Robert Sier, and

STI RLI NGM ASCH I NEN -TECH NI K, H istor y, appli cation-possibili ties, futur e, 464S.

155 Imgs., in German, Steimle (Hg.)

An inexhaustable source of information for free canbe obtained through the patent listings. As well as

this there is a free Stirling-Newsletter by E-Mail.

There are many model-builders who show their

projects in the internet. The enthusiasts-circle

Viebachis occupied with power motors and CHP.

A Stirling motor is interesting and beautiful.

One is simply impressed!

500 Watt Stirling, Viebach

1 Test-tube as the displacer cylinder

2 Cushion made of steel-wool

3 Glass balls (marbles)

4 Cork

5 Tube (Bike-valve tube)

6 Fixation clamp7 Plate for height adjustment

8 Frame

9 Pneumatic cylinder (Fischer-Technik)

10 Base plate (Cutting-board)SCHLAGENHAUF-MOTOR 65

66


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Source listings:

The machine by Sigvard Strandh: Title picture, 1

Bosch-Thermotechnik, 29, 30

SOLO Kleinmotoren GmbH, Web page: 25, 27, 39

Historical Stirling motors 1815-1990 by Ivo Kolin/Frster: 2, 3, 4,

5, 8, 10, 11, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 35, 36, 37, 40, 41

The development of the hot-air motor by Ivo Kolin/C. Frster: 6,7, 9,

36, 37

Catalog Louis Heinrici, Zwickau, ca. 1920: 12, 13, 14

Catalog DeLamatter Iron Works, NY. ca. 1890: 15

Hot Air Caloric and Stirling Engines, von Robert Sier: 16

Private archive Author: 17, 61, 64, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72

Lexikon: 19

SUNPOWER INC. Athens, OH, Data sheet: 20

SUNMACHINE GmbH, Nrnberg: Title picture, 28, 31, 32

KOCKUMS, Sweden: 33, 34 STIRLINGMASCHINEN-TECHNIK, Geschichte,

Einsatzmglichkeiten, Zukunft, Steimle (Hg.): 38

Catalog E. Schmidt, Oberursel: 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50

Private archive Rudi Bayha, Filderstadt 1: 51, 57

Private archive Hans Temme, Hannover: 59

Private archive Ren Schaffer, Burgdorf, Schweiz: 53, 54

Private archive Dieter Schager, Offenbach: 52, 58

Private archive Van den Berg, Holland: 63

Private archive Julian Wood, Newport Monmoutshire, UK: 56, 60, 62

Private archive Prof. Dr. Wilfried Schlagenhauf, Kirchzarten: 65

Development office Viebach, Kolbermoor: 66

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