Previous Survey Results
These are the results of the survey about Regenerators for March 2011. There were 25 responses.
Question 1:
Rev. Robert Stirling applied for the patent of what we now call the "regenerator" in 1816. This patent was an improvement to the hot-air engine that was already in use. In the years that followed, the name "Stirling Engine" has been applied to many hot-air engines that do not use a regenerator.
Question 2:
Regenerator Materials: Some prefer to build a regenerator from a highly conductive material such as copper or aluminum so that it will collect and release heat quickly. Others prefer to use a slower conductor like stainless steel or steel in order to avoid overheating caused by thermal shorts.
Question 3:
Should a regenerator be part of every design for small desktop models of hot-air engines?
Question 4:
What is your level of experience with regnerators and Stirling Engines?
People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.
Question 5:
Where did your knowledge about regenerators for Stirling Engines come from?
People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.
These are the final results for the Stirling Engine Builder's Survey for February 2011.
The survey consists of four simple questions:
What type(s) of Stirling engines do you like to build?
Have you ever assembled a Stirling engine kit?
When building a Stirling engine:
I usually follow the plans provided by someone else.
I usually build my own original designs.
Other
How many working Stirling engines do you currently own?
There were 65 responses. Here are the results:
Some of the submissions for the "other" category are listed here:
- I wish to design my own
- follow plans but do deviate
- would like to make one but not sure which one.
- I wish to build
- I have built a 3/4" scale live steam traction engine.
- N/A plan to if i can find materials
- just looking now
- Not build yet, looking for info
- Adapt/Combine Ideas
