Physics Demo Number: 055

Approximate Run Time: 08 min

Large Fan Powered by a Propane Torch Via a Stirling-Cycle Engine

 

Demo Description

Use a Stirling-Cycle engine heated by a propane torch to power a fan.

Working fluid is a fixed amount of air.

Equipment Location

  • Large fan lives on [D-4-1].

  • Propane torch on [D-4-2] .

Scientific Principles

  • Stirling cycle heat engine.

 

 

 
1

Equipment

  • Large Fan

  • Propane Torch

2
3

Instructions

Photo 1 shows the side view of fan with the crankcase door of the engine open, along with the door that normally protects the flame of the normal oil-lamp heat source from air currents.

Photo 3 shows the propane torch used to supply heat to the engine, i.e. heat to the underside of the lowest engine element.

One may carefully try to initiate engine rotation [while heat is being supplied] by reaching inside of the open center of the blade guard (seen in photo2) and supplying a clock-wise [seen from the front of the fan] torque to the blades.

One must keep fingers and hands away from the crankshaft area at all times while the heat is supplied.

 
Writeup created by David A. Burba
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