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STIRLING
ENGINE
THERMODYNAMICS
 INTRODUCTION

A Stirling engine is a type of heat engine

that operates on a closed-cycle process,
meaning it continuously reuses the same
working fluid, typically air, hydrogen, or
helium. It converts thermal energy into
mechanical work by cyclically heating and
cooling the gas inside, causing expansion
and contraction that drives a piston.

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 HOW IT WORKS
The engine operates based on the Stirling cycle,
which consists of four main processes:

1. Expansion – The gas is heated, causing it to

expand and push the piston.
2. Transfer – The hot gas moves to the cooler side
of the engine.
3. Compression – The cooled gas contracts, pulling
the piston back.
4. Return – The gas moves back to the heated area,
restarting the cycle.

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 THERMODYNAMICS

HISTORY
The Stirling engine was invented in 1816 by Robert
Stirling as a safer alternative to steam engines,
incorporating a regenerator to improve efficiency. It was
widely used in the 19th century for small industrial
applications but declined with the rise of steam and
internal combustion engines. Interest resurfaced in the
20th century, with Philips developing Stirling-powered
generators for remote areas. Today, Stirling engines are
valued for renewable energy, space exploration,
submarines, and cryogenics, thanks to their high
efficiency, quiet operation, and ability to use diverse heat
sources, making them relevant for sustainable energy
applications.
HISTORY THERMODYNAMICS

01 02 03

Robert Stirling was a Scottish Sir George Cayley, 6th Baronet was an Guillaume Amontons was a French
clergyman and engineer. He English engineer, inventor, and aviator. He is scientific instrument inventor and physicist.
invented the Stirling engine and was one of the most important people in the He was one of the pioneers in studying the
history of aeronautics. Many consider him to problem of friction, which is the resistance
inducted into the Scottish
be the first true scientific aerial investigator to motion when bodies make contact. He is
Engineering Hall of Fame in 2014.
and the first person to understand the also known for his work on thermodynamics,
underlying principles and forces of flight. the concept of absolute zero.
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APPLICATIONS OF THE
STIRLING ENGINE

POWER SUBMARINES AND AEROSPACE AND

GENERATION MARINE SPACE
APPLICATIONS APPLICATIONS
Converts heat from solar
energy, waste heat, or Used in spacecraft for
Provides silent and
biomass into electricity power generation and
efficient propulsion in
for remote and industrial cryogenic cooling in
submarines, reducing
use. satellites and infrared
noise for stealth
sensors.
operations.
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 STIRLING ENGINE
WORKING PRINCIPLE P-V AND T-S DIAGRAM

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THERMODYNAMICS
 STIRLING ENGINE
WORKING PRINCIPLE P-V AND T-S DIAGRAM
1. Isothermal Expansion (Heat Addition)
The working gas absorbs heat from the external heat source.
As the gas expands, it pushes the power piston, generating mechanical
work.
2. Isochoric (Constant Volume) Heat Transfer
The hot gas moves through the regenerator, transferring some heat to it
before cooling down.
This step improves efficiency by temporarily storing heat.
3. Isothermal Compression (Heat Rejection)
The cooled gas is compressed, reducing its volume.
Heat is removed via a cooling source (e.g., a radiator or water jacket).
4. Isochoric (Constant Volume) Heat Transfer (Regeneration)
The gas passes through the regenerator again, absorbing stored heat and
reheating before the next expansion phase.
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THERMODYNAMICS
 STIRLING ENGINE
PROCESS
1 HEATING
The working gas inside the piston is heated, causing it to
expand. As the gas expands, it pushes the power piston
backward, generating force that rotates the crankshaft.

2 EXPANSION
The working gas inside the piston is heated, causing it to
expand. As the gas expands, it pushes the power piston
backward, generating force that rotates the crankshaft.
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 STIRLING ENGINE
PROCESS
3 COOLING
The gas is cooled in the cooler, lowering its temperature and
pressure to make compression more efficient. Meanwhile, the
compression piston moves back to maintain gas volume and
prepare for the next phase.

4 COMPRESSION
The crankshaft pushes the compression piston forward,
compressing the gas and increasing its pressure. The gas then
returns to the regenerator, absorbing stored heat to restart the
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 LIMITATIONS
High Cost: Expensive to build and maintain due to specialized heat
exchangers and materials.
Low Power Output: Produces less power compared to internal
combustion engines of the same size.
Difficult Power Tuning: Hard to adjust power output efficiently.
Efficiency Reduction: Performance decreases as the working
temperature increases.
Slow Start Time: Thermal inertia causes delays in reaching operating
conditions.
Bulky and Heavy: Larger and heavier than internal combustion
engines, making them less practical for some applications.
Safety Concerns: Potential for explosive gas mixtures inside the
engine.
Sealing Issues: Maintaining seals at high pressures is challenging.
Heat Transfer Problems: Requires large and complex apparatuses for
effective heat management.
Lack of Flexibility: Difficult to vary power output quickly and
effectively.
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ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
High Efficiency High Cost
Low Emission Slow Start Time
Fuel Flexibility Bulky and Heavy
Quiet Operation Lower Power Output
Long Lifespan Difficult Power Adjustment
Reliable Performance Sealing Issues
Regenerative Capabilities Heat Transfer Challenges
Limited Commercial Use
 CONCLUSION
The Stirling engine remains a remarkable innovation
in energy conversion, offering high efficiency,
versatility, and environmental benefits. Its ability
to operate on various heat sources makes it suitable
for applications in power generation, marine
propulsion, aerospace, transportation, and
cooling systems. Despite being over 200 years
old, it continues to gain interest in modern
industries, particularly in renewable energy and
sustainable technology. As advancements in
engineering and materials improve its performance,
the Stirling engine holds great potential for future
clean energy solutions and efficient power systems.
GROUP 5

THANK
YOU
"POWERING THE FUTURE WITH EFFICIENCY, SILENCE,
AND SUSTAINABILITY – THE STIRLING ENGINE WAY."

THERMODYNAMICS