Best Torque: Single big engine or many small ones

Discussion on Stirling or "hot air" engines (all types)
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ncore
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Joined: Mon Apr 14, 2014 9:12 am

Best Torque: Single big engine or many small ones

Post by ncore »

I am in need of a small (No bigger than one cubic foot) stirling engine with enough torque to power a small alternator to trickle charge a battery.

My question is, is it best to use one large stirling engine connected to the alternator, or hook multiple mini stirling engines in a series to power the alternator/motor.

Options:
- One stirling engine made out of a large tin can (6 inches in diameter)
- 8 or more small engines of 1.5-2 inches in diameter, and no more than two inches in height with the outputs hooked together

Also, is it better to make the engine's gas exchange cylinder tall or short, and how big should the internal piston (whatever you call it) be in proportion to the cylinder.

Thank you for any help you can provide.
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