Stirlingengineforum.com

Decided to set myself a bit of a project, to make a visual compilation of cars (and other moving vessels) that have had Stirling engines in them (and visual proof of it). This is a preliminary listing of them for the moment
I hope to improve and add to it over time ,hopefully with the help of others
I may have missed some vehicles. Also I would like to add engine specifications and performance details, or any other significant information, eventually.
So if anyone is interested, and up to doing some digging or has access to information or literature regarding these vehicles then please put it up, and I will edit it back into the primary post, any additional help or ideas will be welcomed ..


Check out this excellent PDF link, you should definitely enjoy it (if not, then there is no hope )
http://energychallenge.com/ST_TA2_1.pdf (1.7MB)

nasa pdf reports-
https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct= ... 6CZiBhPYkQ
https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct= ... _lwCw-D4MQ
there are many more nasa reports on stirling engines to be found on the net

Archived images of NASA stirling engine development...

http://www.dvidshub.net/search/?q=mod+I ... Z98g6K7Lzc


Hemmings Daily articles
I found some good vehicle information on this site... plus
There are interesting responses to these articles at bottom of the linked pages, some by people who were involved in the R&D teams...

NASA gets Spiritual and drops Stirling engines in some odd vehicles
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2009 ... -vehicles/

Found: NASA’s Stirling-engined Dodge D-150
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2010 ... dge-d-150/

SIA Flashback – Calvair: GM’s Stirling Effort
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/tag/stirling-engine/


Some vehicle related magazine articles

Test driving GM's Hybrid electric car (stirlec)
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=wCk ... ar&f=false

The amazing hot gas engine powers clean-air Bus
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=sgA ... CDMQ6AEwAA

Stirling cycle engine promises low emissions
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=IWx ... &q&f=false

Stirling auto engine, a lot of progress
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=RN4 ... 22&f=false

New stirling powered zero pollution car runs on stored heat
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=iFz ... CD8Q6AEwAg

Future car engines
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=FAE ... ar&f=false

Things To Come (Winnebago with Stirling generator)
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=oM8 ... 22&f=false

Yesterdays Engines Tomorrow (NASA/US Air Force van)
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=euM ... 22&f=false

Looking under the hoods of tomorrows cars
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=ltc ... 22&f=false

Will the old hot air engine drive the new cars
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=Rig ... 22&f=false

Stirling powered submarine
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=dQE ... ne&f=false

Videos with stirling vehicle stuff

Philips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqIapDKtvzc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFfMruoRMGo

Nasa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Vnxapd5fs

Philips bus and stuff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9ue52PaMtw

Philips Kockums and stuff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzpcU41hqAM

STM EV1 GM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMgs8AGfFp4

General Motors Alternative Engine Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfL2f1l0Ktg

Precer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehWbFoMfmMo

[hr]
1959 Philips Boat 'Johan de Witt'

Triangle.Stirling wrote:The Stirling Engine yacht 'Johan de Witt'

The yacht
The yacht has been in use between 1959 and 1977. It was powered by a 40 Hp, single cylinder Stirling Engine. The working gas was Hydrogen, with a pressure of 165 Bar.
The engine has changed over the years, it was a test setup.

Nice story is that a few people sailed from Eindhoven to Oirschot and then slept in the boat with the engine idling to demonstrate how quiet the engine was. But perhaps it was helped by the large amount of gin Neijer had brought with them.

Source: C.M. Hargreaves, 'The Philips Stirling Engine'

More info on the yacht can be seen in the 'Stirling Cycle Video's ' that were made by Philips.

Part 1
Part 2

In part 2, from 03:23 you can see the engine and yacht in action. There is also a very nice explanation of the system they use to change the speed of the engine quickly. I think it's an ingenious system.

[hr]
1964 Calvair, gm's first stirling car, rarely mentioned (a modified corvair)
30 hp stirling engine.
Heat battery 'aluminium oxide pellets' natural gas heat recharger.
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=6dM ... ir&f=false

Sorry for the bad image quality, its the only true photo evidence I can currently find of this very rarely discussed experimental vehicle.
video-(calvair footage and dialogue at about 7.40) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfL2f1l0Ktg



OK - found some great supporting pictures - hope you like them!
Its from an older magazine article that was recently dug up by Hemmings Daily




[hr]
1969 GM Stir-Lec Opel Kadett, Stirling series-hybrid





[hr]
1970 Philips Lawn Mower 'motor-scythe' 10HP

Triangle.Stirling wrote:The Stirling Engine Lawnmower

The lawnmower
On the photo is Frits Philips, in that time director of Philips N.V.

info from a person that is at the picture:

I worked on that mower myself and am at this photo, wich is never seen before.
Frits Philips had always been raised as a patron for the development of the Stirling engine in the Nat Lab. When he retired as director of Philips, which was celebrated in a fully occupied Philips theater he got all kinds of gifts from the various main industry groups offered. The mower, a unique, almost completely handmade product, equipped with a 10hp engine Stirling, was one of the gifts of the formal Nat Lab. Something like that is not offered by anybody in a gray duster or blue overalls. He wears an appropriate showsuit. Look at the logo on the suit. In itself, there is absolutely no connection between the suit and mower. Frits was so enthusiastic and sportive to get right to drive a round on the mower.

[hr]
1971 Philips Bus

Ian S C wrote: the bus had a 4cylinder, 100bhp motor running at 3000rpm, driving through a normal transmission. I suppose it would be OK in Holland, it's a very flat country. Ian S C

Triangle.Stirling wrote:the Philips Stirling Bus

The chassis of the bus was built bij DAF, a dutch company, and further built on the instructions of Philips N.V. The bus is on license plate since the 30th June of 1970

a few photo's of the Stirlingcoach, not specifically the engine:

The Stirlingbus in 2006, fitted with a Diesel engine
black&white photo of the bus
Stirlingbus The picture is dated 1970. dr. R.J.H.Kruisinga State Secretary for Social Affairs and Public Health is visiting the Stirlingbus.
The Stirlingbus in 2011 It shows the Stirlingbus, that is been restored. Philips uses it on open days, and other promotional events. It is now fitted with a Diesel engine.

These are the links for the brochure. I got the links from another dutchman. He gave me permission to post them on the internet, so you can use them.
In the brochure is a bit of info on the bus, photo's and the technical specifications.

The original size:
http://imageshack.com/a/img819/1262/oxs2.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img28/7412/mzwe.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img62/6591/oebo.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img202/764/9pk3.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img707/3804/1dqo.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img196/5154/zuk5.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img839/294/vgz7.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img202/7900/sa2g.jpg

640*480
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 9/oxs2.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/28/mzwe.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/62/oebo.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 2/9pk3.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 7/1dqo.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 6/zuk5.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 9/vgz7.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 2/sa2g.jpg

[hr]
1972 Ford, Pinto V4X31



[hr]
1974 Ford, Taunus V4X35



[hr]
1975 Ford, Gran Torino 4 cyl double acting swash plate (4-215 DA)






Test rig...


[hr]
1977 Opel, p40 engine



[hr]
1978 Winnebago with Stirling generator
10.7 hp V-2, engine manufactured in Sweden distributed by Stirling power systems
multi fuel source- kerosine, diesel oil or fuel oil.



[hr]
1979 AMC Spirit, P-40 engine



[hr]
1982 AMC Lerma Mod-I engine



[hr]
1982 Lundström Porsche V4X36




[hr]
1984/85 AMC Spirit, Upgraded Mod-I engine



[hr]
1985 NASA MOD-II, Chevrolet Celebrity -Concord



There is a large amount of detailed imagery of the Mod-II stirling engine and its components From Nasa Archives-
http://www.dvidshub.net/search/?q=mod+I ... Z98g6K7Lzc
have a dig..



[hr]
1986 ASE (Automotive Stirling Engine, US Air Force-SPVP Stirling Powered Van Program, MTI-Mechanical Technology Incorporated)
(phase I) Upgraded Mod-I engine



[hr]
1987 D-150 Air-Force truck
(phase II) Upgraded Mod-I engine



[hr]
1988 AM General postal van (usps)
(phase III) Mod-II engine

No image of an engine in the vehicle.

But I think this is an image of the actual vehicle in operation, which was sourced from a nasa video.



I've read that the engine was removed from the van after the test program finished...
It 'might' be the first one (a mod-II) of these 2 Stirling engines sitting in storage at Nasa (the second is a mod-I)



mod-ii block


[hr]
Nasa Phase I, II, &III
Vehicle Research Video

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Vnxapd5fs[/youtube]

[hr]
some more mod-I & II stuff from nasa-



check out the nasa pdf links at the top of page for more info...

[hr]
1993 - 99 some interesting GM EV1 stirling engine prototype research

pdf links-
http://infohouse.p2ric.org/ref/16/15287.pdf

https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct= ... wSM5veA38Q
quote from page – 151
From 1993 until 1998, General Motors teamed with
Stirling Thermal Motors (STM) to develop and demonstrate
a Stirling engine for hybrid vehicles as part of the PNGV
initiative. The engine was designed to drive a generator in a
series hybrid configuration. Six engines were eventually
built by STM, and three were delivered to General Motors
for testing.





1999 EV1 series hybrid
 Stirling engine-based generator
wiki quote-
There was also a research program that powered the series hybrid Gen2 version from a Stirling engine-based generator. The program demonstrated the technical feasibility of such a drive train, but it was concluded that commercial viability was out of reach at that time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Mo ... ies_hybrid


I think that this particular series hybrid prototype (gold body) had the gas turbine APU in it. From what i can tell, the EV1 series hybrid with the stirling engine APU had a red body.

[hr]
2007 Sweden, Precer Stirling hybrid

Related forum thread
http://www.stirlingengineforum.com/view ... f=1&t=1564



[hr]
2008 DEKA Revolt, Kamen Stirling heater/generator, series plug-in hybrid



[hr]
Deka scooter



[hr]
Shell Eco-marathon Europe stirling car
http://www.greatenergychallengeblog.com ... fficiency/



[hr]
Philips Marine Stirling Engine, high and dry without a vessel.



source-
http://www.eindhoven-in-beeld.nl/pictur ... r39249.asp

According to the book of CM Hargreaves (The Philips Stirling Engine) is the 115 HP horizontally Opposed Stirling engine (boxer engine), designed for use in boats. The total height was 50 cm. Four cylinders with Rhombic drive. The drive of the propeller was done by the worm wheel (2) crankshafts.
- 'Ad van Liempt on 06 December 2013'

[hr]
Kockums, Gotland-class submarine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotland-class_submarine

Related forum thread
http://www.stirlingengineforum.com/view ... f=1&t=1532

"Cleanergy" video from a Swedish television segment about Stirling technology
Its not in English but has some awesome new and 'old school' footage

Philips and Kockums stuff starts at about 5:20
(but watch the whole vid if you got the time)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzpcU41hqAM[/youtube]



[hr]
1853 - 250 foot long paddle ship, 300 HP Hot Air Engine The 'Ericsson'
made by John Ericsson (apparently the engine didn't come up to power output expectations).





[hr]
(some more marine stuff to come....... eventually)

vamoose

Excellent work and thread!

R

Good work. I think that about the time of the Daff / Philips bus, there was a little Daff car with the Variomatic transmission was fitted with a Philips Stirling Engine, I'll have to hunt out some info, unless someone beats me to it. Ian S C

Thanks Fellas,
That would be very cool to get some information on the Daf car Ian. Its one I've not heard of before.
I hope there are a few more in the fog to be found.
vamoose

Thought i'd do a post to bump up this older thread.
I found some more info on the elusive 1964 Calvair with some interesting photo imagery to boot, Plus I've progressively added a few other vehicle images to the original post over time.
(refer to original post...)

also Ian,
Was wondering if you were able to find some supporting information in regards to the daf car (the one with the variomatic drive)?
I've not been able to find anything so far and am hoping you can track down the information that you came across

vamoose

(still haven't added engine specs to any of the vehicles yet, as i'm a bit distracted, so dont hold your breath .
If someone else was interested and started the ball rolling then this may light the flame under my ass)

Have not got the info on the car yet, but the bus had a 4cylinder, 100bhp motor running at 3000rpm, driving through a normal transmission. I suppose it would be OK in Holland, it's a very flat country. Ian S C

I have a brochure(scan) from Philips about the Bus powered with a Stirling engine.
I can publish it on the internet, but the images are good quality, so it are bigger files. Does anybody know a good service where i can post them?
It are .jpg images of >1.5 mb. If people are interested in it, i can upload them on Imageshack.

also have a few more photo's for example:stirling bus

Holland (the Netherlands) is very flat, that's right. The 'real hills' we have are in the south, and they are just a few hundred meters high

The lawnmower is also interesting:

lawnmower

On the mower is Frits Philips, left from the mower a mechanican. He was advised to wear a race-overall.

Will post more on these in the future, but at the moment i'm busy with school, and the upcoming testweek. I hope i'm able to light the flame under your ass

I would really like to read the brochure if you can link the 'Imageshack' images!!!

and All and any stuff you have i would also love to look at, especially as you have the "Dutch Connection" to this information.
(dont worry i can use google translate if it aint in Australian (or also English))
Philips research and developments are the defining reason that the modern form of the Stirling engine is around,
It's at the core of many advanced engines and still inspires people today..

The embers are still burning under my 'seat', so if you have any more information then it can only fan the flames on this thread..

Keep on chugging
vamoose

ps. thanks for the mower image, I've linked it in the first post

Currently in a test-week, so no time yet.

Will post a bit of information about the bus, mower and boat after the testweek.

Keep on studying!
Its nearly 200 years since Robert Stirling came up with his brainwave so there is definitely no hurry
Best wishes with your tests!!
Don't let them mess with your head..

vamoose

I'm so new here I'm wet behind the ears... but was excited to see the Air Force 1987 D-150 fitted with a Stirling. My daily driver is a retired Air Force 1987 D-150 with a 225 ci slant six, (which took 10 min to get started and warmed up this morning in Michigan, where the temp was -12F). I smiled at the thought of what kind of power I would have had with that kind of temp/differential. Great post, thanks!

Triangle.Stirling, if you scan the photo to your computer, you should be able to resize to something like 640 X 480, which is a good size for posting. Ian S C

the Philips Stirling Bus

The chassis of the bus was built bij DAF, a dutch company, and further built on the instructions of Philips N.V. The bus is on license plate since the 30th June of 1970

a few photo's of the Stirlingcoach, not specifically the engine:

The Stirlingbus in 2006, fitted with a Diesel engine
black&white photo of the bus
Stirlingbus The picture is dated 1970. dr. R.J.H.Kruisinga State Secretary for Social Affairs and Public Health is visiting the Stirlingbus.
The Stirlingbus in 2011 It shows the Stirlingbus, that is been restored. Philips uses it on open days, and other promotional events. It is now fitted with a Diesel engine.

These are the links for the brochure. I got the links from another dutchman. He gave me permission to post them on the internet, so you can use them.
In the brochure is a bit of info on the bus, photo's and the technical specifications.

The original size:
http://imageshack.com/a/img819/1262/oxs2.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img28/7412/mzwe.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img62/6591/oebo.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img202/764/9pk3.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img707/3804/1dqo.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img196/5154/zuk5.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img839/294/vgz7.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img202/7900/sa2g.jpg

640*480
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 9/oxs2.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/28/mzwe.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/62/oebo.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 2/9pk3.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 7/1dqo.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 6/zuk5.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 9/vgz7.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x48 ... 2/sa2g.jpg

The Stirling Engine yacht 'Johan de Witt'

The yacht
The yacht has been in use between 1959 and 1977. It was powered by a 40 Hp, single cylinder Stirling Engine. The working as was Hydrogen, with a pressure of 165 Bar.
The engine has changed over the years, it was a test setup.

Nice story is that a few people sailed from Eindhoven to Oirschot and then slept in the boat with the engine idling to demonstrate how quiet the engine was. But perhaps it was helped by the large amount of gin Neijer had brought with them.

Source: C.M. Hargreaves, 'The Philips Stirling Engine'

More info on the yacht can be seen in the 'Stirling Cycle Video's ' that were made by Philips.

Part 1
Part 2

In part 2, from 03:23 you can see the engine and yacht in action. There is also a very nice explanation of the system they use to change the speed of the engine quickly. I think it's an ingenious system.

The Stirling Engine Lawnmower

The lawnmower
On the photo is Frits Philips, in that time director of Philips N.V.

info from a person that is at the picture:

I worked on that mower myself and am at this photo, wich is never seen before.
Frits Philips had always been raised as a patron for the development of the Stirling engine in the Nat Lab. When he retired as director of Philips, which was celebrated in a fully occupied Philips theater he got all kinds of gifts from the various main industry groups offered. The mower, a unique, almost completely handmade product, equipped with a 10hp engine Stirling, was one of the gifts of the formal Nat Lab. Something like that is not offered by anybody in a gray duster or blue overalls. He wears an appropriate showsuit. Look at the logo on the suit. In itself, there is absolutely no connection between the suit and mower. Frits was so enthusiastic and sportive to get right to drive a round on the mower.