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500kw/5MW
Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2015 9:25 am
by Cortemus
In the interest of the hypothetical in hopes of it becoming future reality. Is it possible for a large stirling engine produce enough torque and rpm's to power a 500kw/5MW generator- respectively?
Those are the two largest numbers legal to net meter back to the power company here so far as i understand it.
Re: 500kw/5MW
Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 4:59 am
by Ian S C
Cortemus, I suppose you know that 500kw = 670hp, with most Stirling Engine designs most people are happy to see 1kw for a reasonably powerful motor. It takes $$$$ per kw, and to get the power you want I think you will spend your winnings from Lotto fairly quickly. Sizes like 5MW you could just about set up your own power company. I think one of the main problems would be the fuel for heating.
Ian S C
Re: 500kw/5MW
Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 6:47 am
by MikeB
Of course it's _possible_ - though you might find it easiest to build a farm of smaller engines, or a single large engine with a large number of pistons.
Whether it is in anyway financially viable is a different story, but it seems highly unlikely.
Most people build Stirlings as a hobby, or to get a little 'free' energy from waste heat - given how long they have been around, it seems reasonable to assume that enough people have tried to make them commercial, but all of them have failed.
Re: 500kw/5MW
Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 2:31 am
by vamoose
