Testing of big stirling engine generator build after changes to generator pulley size - Also, I've tried to answer a few questions from viewers along the way as the project has progressed!

A larger pulley (140mm OD) has been fitted to the alternator. The hope is this will unload the engine slightly and allow it to run in it's max power band and create big power!

To see other videos of the Mk2 stirling engine:
   • Stirling Engine Mk2  

If you need to contact me:
[email protected]

Contents

0:00 Introduction
0:24 Changes since last time
1:11 Type of wood burnt
2:34 Smoke emissions during warmup
5:10 Alternator setup (static)
6:01 Engine Start
6:54 Noise output in Decibel's
7:24 Alternator test (with changes of pulley sizes!)
12:15 End

A slightly tiring test run with all the pulley size changes, etc! On a positive note the engine was run intermittently for 3 hours with no mechanical breakages!

The test result was a little disappointing with the charging system showing no desire to charge our battery. I think the simple explanation is that car alternators are not designed to run at these kind of speeds (slow!) and are capable of delivering about twice as much power as this engine can deliver. They need to reach a certain speed to deliver 12-14V charging voltage but at these speeds, it will pull more power than the engine can deliver.

As a last ditched attempt to make this alternator work I will remove it from the stirling engine and see if I can get to the field winding connections. Perhaps if we provided the supply voltage to these "manually" with the help of a resister/ PWM speed controller directly from the battery, we could regulate the output amps and the alternator will spin up to a speed. This might allow the correct charge voltage without dragging the engine down to much?

Any help or guidance with this will be well received?

Till next time