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ROSS Precision Stirling Engine (SOLAR ASSEMBLED)



                 



Solar Ross linkage operation

This particular engine has been specifically designed by our technicians for solar operation, and uses a fascinating linkage arrangement. This linkage is known as a Ross Yoke, named after Andy Ross, its inventor. It allows both the piston and displacer to be connected on the same end of the axle while at the same time maintaining the 90 offset between the piston and displacer.

The yoke itself is attached to the crank and pivots on two precision flanged ball bearings. The oval section at the bottom of the yoke pivots on one precision ball bearing.

All other specifications on this engine are identical to our KS90 model.

An interesting fact about solar power is that there is enough energy hitting the earth in the form of sunlight to allow us to completely convert to 100% solar energy, if only there was a way of capturing it. Many multi-national energy providers are seriously investigating using Stirling engines to harness sun power, in an effort to mave away from fossil and nuclear fuels.

Efficiency

Because Stirling engines have a theoretical 40% greater efficiency than photo-voltaic (PV) panels worldwide energy companies are investigating using them as a way to provide energy in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Such companies use our KS90 to demonstrate the principles behind generating electricity using Stirling engines.

The Kontax Low Temperature Differential Stirling Engine is an excellent demonstration of a heat engine, showing with one spin of the flywheel a clean and simple way of converting thermal energy into motion. This engine will operate from many heat sources, including hot water, computer monitor, TV and the human hand. As long as there is a small difference in temperature between the upper and lower plates this engine will run.

Every one of these engines has been tested to run off the heat of a hand.
 
 This engine has been meticulously engineered. As any Stirling Engine enthusiast knows, friction is your enemy in LTD models. With this in mind, all potential sources of friction in this engine have been eliminated. Another common problem with LTD Stirlings is heat transfer between the plates. Again, all possible routes for heat to transfer directly between the plates have been eliminated.

Based on the pioneering work done by Dr Senft at the University of Wisconsin, this model has been engineered in England, manufactured in England using hi-tech CNC equipment, and is sold from England.
 
 A large number of schools and universities have bought our engines for educational use, the transparent chamber and cylinder make it very easy to explain the Stirling cycle to students. Many of our engines have been kept running for years on top of coffee machines, computers, fax machines, etc. in shops, kitchens and offices all over the world. Many customers take great delight in running our engines on a bowl of ice or snow, where the engine happily runs, but backwards.

Engine features:-

  • Low-profile heat insulating chamber pillars, giving good surface contact with heat source
  • Aluminium main pillar, hub & spokes
  • All airtight seals are made with high strength precision screw threads and nitrile O rings
  • Both connecting rods are positively located using low friction PET and stainless screws
  • Micron precision Borosilicate glass cylinder and Graphite power piston, the best combination
  • Ultra low friction demagnetised and de-greased bearings, NO lubrication required
  • Fully CNC machined, ensuring crisp, clean tidy edges all over
  • Engine parts ultrasonically cleaned before hand assembly
  • Precision engineered and hand built in England
  • Engraved with the KONTAX name

Major dimensions:-

  • Base plates - 92mm diameter, 3mm thick
  • Flywheel - 82mm diameter, 4mm thick
  • Power piston - 9.5mm tube diameter
  • Displacer - 70mm diameter, 8mm thick
  • Overall height - 120mm






Price: £110.00 in



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Ideal for ages 14+.
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