How Stirling engines work

The Stirling engine is the ideal heat engine for school teaching purposes. Stirling engines work with a closed working medium cycle so that the cyclic process is easy to follow. The Stirling engine runs relatively slowly and can be observed from the outside. This applies particularly for models with a working piston and cylinder made from glass that allow a view of the inner workings. Students should then verify the function and operating phases of the Stirling engine through observation on the basis of the description given in the instructions.

Information and ideas:
• Observe the safety information in the related “How Stirling engines work (teacher information)” teaching method, which is available on the media portal of the Siemens Stiftung, as well as the applicable safety guidelines for your school and discuss them with your students.
• The answers to the questions about basic physics contained in the experimentation instructions can be found in the answer sheet of the same name on the media portal of the Siemens Stiftung.

How Stirling engines work (Video)
How Stirling engines work (answer sheet) (Text)
How Stirling engines work (teacher information) (Text)

Physics; Technology

Grade 5 to 6; Grade 7 to 9; Grade 10 to 13

Middle/high school

Energy; Engine; Physics; Stirling, Robert; Cyclic process; Energy conversion; Engine; Stirling engine; Thermodynamics

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