Ask A Scientist© Engineering Archive

Index Key:   ENG041
Author:      clay fowlkes
Subject:     Solar steam engine.
My friends and I are working on a science project about the solar steam
engine.  I have plans for building one, but I also have doubts as to if it
will work or not.  I was hoping to get a professional opinion.

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      david r munoz
I do not know of any steam engines powered by the sun (which is not to say
that it cant be done).  However, the engines that I have seen that have been
solar powered are air standard Stirling cycles.  You can read about Stirling
cycles in any undergraduate college thermodynamics textbook.  I would
encourage you to consider the Stirling cycle.