Stirling Engine Project

Jan 2024 - Apr 2024

Project is still on-going - Check back periodically to see the latest updates!

What?

Inspired by Stirling engine's ability to run on external combustion and the need for a portable emergency generator that can be powered by any fuel sources.
Capstone project design project at Stanford to explore renewable energy solutions.
Aim: Design and construct a 60cc α-type Stirling engine-powered generator.
Objective: Produce 5 watts of DC power sustainably, offering an efficient and reliable energy source.

Utilized DVP&R and DFMEA to guide design decisions, addressing potential risks efficiently.
Iterated engine design five times, focusing on material selection, DFM/DFA principles, and vibration/thermal isolation.
Conducted crank fatigue and balance analyses, significantly reducing vibration.
Self-produced all parts following ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards in an on-campus machine shop, ensuring high manufacturing yield despite strict tolerances.

Successfully reduced manufacturing and assembly risks, eliminating assembly and tolerncing issues through design and prototyping.
Achieved a 95% reduction in vibration amplitude for smoother operation.
Maintained high yield rate in part production, despite strict tolerances, thanks to effective operation sequences and quality control measures.
Demonstrated the Stirling engine's potential in sustainable energy generation and highlighted effective engineering design.