2006-12-09 11:42:42 · 6 answers · asked by Gardenfoot 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Stirling engine
Steam engine
More information on these and other types can surely be found on wikipedia.
2006-12-09 13:06:20 · answer #1 · answered by Ron E 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Stirling Engine is an example of an external combustion engine. Invented by Reverend Robert Stirling in 1816 as a safer alternative to the high pressure steam engines of his day.
Today, Stirling Engine technology is being revived as a possible alternative to Solar Power as it's efficiency is approaching 40%. Solar based Stirling Engines mounted on Solar Collectors are being designed with electric generators in the 3 to 5 KW range to provide power for domestic use cheaper and more efficiently than the present Solar Panel technology. These units will be released onto the market in 2008 on latest estimates...
go to the following site for an explanation of Stirling Engines it has some interesting links for an explanation of the Stirling Cycle as well....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine
Also you may like the following link to Infinia.com....a company which has a Solar Powered Stirling coming on the market for domestic use in 2008....shows a very space age Fresnel Lens solar collector with a Stirling Engine at the front Focus point...nice picture of it here....
http://www.infiniacorp.com/applications/clean_energy.htm
good luck and fine question.... :-) .....
2006-12-11 12:02:18 · answer #2 · answered by Gaz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 1977 Ford Pinto
2006-12-09 12:23:32 · answer #3 · answered by Asleep at the wheel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
steam engine
You build a fire in a boiler (combustion), this heats the water to steam. The steam is piped to another location and used to push a piston or drive a turbine (external).
2006-12-09 13:08:28 · answer #4 · answered by unpop5 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A steam engine
2006-12-09 11:46:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rocket, Solid fuel.
2006-12-09 15:16:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋