HOT
AIR ENGINES
The first successful hot air
engine was built by Rev. Robert Stirling in 1816 in Scotland. These
engines
developed very little power for their size, but they were
reliable, safe and easier to operate then
steam. These engines became obsolete with the success of the gas engine
in the early 1900's.
Ericson model hot air engine built
by Owen Bosma
from scratch using a lathe drill press and hand tools.
After the lower end of the
cylinder has been sufficiently heated, which only takes a very few
minutes, the engine must be started by hand by giving it one or two
revolutions. The air contained in the machine is first compressed in
the cold part of the cylinder; it is then transferred to the lower end,
where it is instantly heated and expanded, thus furnishing power. These
engines will run on any heat source, this engine has been set up to run
on propane.
English Robinson
Built By Owen Bosma from scratch and cut away drawings.
Note the unsually linkage configuration.
This engine runs very nice, and is wood fired.
Owen Bosma Collection
"Moriya", a home-made Stirling powered fan, built by Owen Bosma from
scale drawing of
a split-
cylinder type engine.
Heated by an alcohol flame, the
engine
spins at about 900 rpm.
From the booklet by: James R. Senft
An introduction to Stirling Engines.
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The utilization of the
expansion of heated air for driving an engine has for years been a
subject which has exercised the ingenuity of inventors. The history of
hot air engines include many failures; there are certain constructive
difficulties which have been hard to overcome.
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Owen Bosma Collection
Home Atkinson engine Steam engine
Home brew engine