I'm trying to make a small Stirling generator to directly produce electrical power. Instead of a piston I figure a flexible diaphram would work better since there wouldn't be any pressure loss from an imperfect seal. The temperature on the hot side wouldn't be very high, not above 140f, so even latex would work. The cool side is going to be anywhere from just above freezing to room temp (provided by a small earthenware evaporator) so the differential isn't going to be that much, which is another reason for the diaphram so the generator can operate at very small differentials in temperature.
My question is should I have the actuator that is attached to the diaphram turn a reciprocating wheel to generate electricity, or should I just mount the magnets on the actuator (which also triggers the cold side return valve) and have its motion within the generator coils produce power? Which would be more efficient? I'm siding toward the rotational model.
My question is should I have the actuator that is attached to the diaphram turn a reciprocating wheel to generate electricity, or should I just mount the magnets on the actuator (which also triggers the cold side return valve) and have its motion within the generator coils produce power? Which would be more efficient? I'm siding toward the rotational model.