Senior Theses
Publication Date
5-25-2017
Document Type
Thesis (Open Access)
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Department
Physics
Faculty Advisor(s)
William Mackie (Thesis Advisor) Joelle Murray & Tianbao Xie (Committee Members)
Subject Categories
Engineering Physics | Materials Science and Engineering | Physics | Power and Energy | Semiconductor and Optical Materials
Abstract
This paper explores the relationship between the operating temperature and electricity production of a simple heat engine. A Stirling engine was designed and constructed which runs on solar thermal energy collected by a Fresnel lens. The surface area of the solar collector was varied. This manipulated the operating temperature of the Stirling engine in order to measure power output. The mechanical energy from the engine was converted to electricity using a DC motor running in reverse, acting like a generator, in conjunction with an Arduino for data collection. Although adjustments must be made in order to improve the efficiency of the system, the data show a significant increase in power output in relation to thermal energy around the temperature range of 120-160◦C.
Recommended Citation
Beck, Spencer, "Operating Temperature of a Solar Thermal Stirling Engine" (2017). Senior Theses. 28.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/physstud_theses/28
Included in
Engineering Physics Commons, Power and Energy Commons, Semiconductor and Optical Materials Commons
