Table of Contents

Three LTD Stirling Engines You Can Build Without a Machine Shop

152 Pages

Chapter 1: My History with Stirling Engines

My First Pop Can Engine

My Next Attempt: The Coffee Cup Engine

The Reciprocating Engine

Applying Lessons Learned

Chapter 2: A Brief History of Stirling Engines

Stirling Engine History

Almost Famous

Competing with Early Steam

Powering the Electric Radio

Harvesting Waste Heat to Make Electricity

Chapter 3: The Stirling Cycle Explained

A Basic Explanation of the Principle

What Makes These Designs Unique?

Chapter 4: What Makes a Good Stirling Engine?

Materials

Low Friction

Precision and Balance

Simple to Build

Chapter 5: Working with Aluminum

Cutting

Flattening

Finishing

Chapter 6: Working with Acrylic

Joining Acrylic

Finishing Acrylic

Chapter 7: Thermoforming Vinyl

Equipment Needed for Thermoforming

Thermoforming Process

Chapter 8: Tools Needed for These Projects

Chapter 9: Engine #1 - The Reciprocating Stirling Engine

Parts List

Finding the Parts

Conceptual Drawings

Step by Step Instructions

Operation and Fine Tuning

Adding Helium

Running from the Heat of Your Hand

Chapter 10: Engine #2 - Horizontal Flywheel Magnetic Drive Stirling Engine

Engine Design Explained

Parts List

Conceptual Drawings

Step by Step Instructions

Operation and Fine Tuning

Adding Helium

Running from the Heat of Your Hand

Chapter 11: Engine #3 - Vertical Flywheel Magnetic Drive Stirling Engine

Engine Design Explained

Parts List

Conceptual Drawings

Step by Step Instructions

Operation and Fine Tuning

Running from the Heat of Your Hand

Adding Helium

Appendices

A: Tips to Improve Engine Performance

B: Proper Running Technique

C: Saw Blades and Techniques for Cutting Acrylic – Additional Information

D: Drills and Drilling Techniques for Acrylic – Additional Information

E: Metric Conversions