1. A student group proposes to design and construct a Stirling engine for demonstration purposes that can operate using a solar heat source to raise awareness of renewable energies. 2. The group outlines objectives to design an engine that is cost-effective, low maintenance, safe, and of quality design using thermodynamic and heat transfer principles. 3. The design requirements specify that the engine must operate for 5 minutes using a compact, indoor-safe heat source and have a 5-year minimum service life if properly maintained.

1. MECH 4010 - DESIGN PROJECT I - MEMORANDUM
DATE: OCTOBER 6, 2008
TO: DR. JULIO MILITZER
CC: DOMINIC GROULX
FROM: GROUP #4
ANDREW MCMURRAY ALEX MORASH
BRYAN NEARY KRISTIAN RICHARDS
RE: DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR STIRLING ENGINE
Dear Dr. Militzer,
In 2003 a group had previously attempted to design and construct a solar powered
Stirling engine for their design project but due to technical problems the project was
unsuccessful. After careful analysis of the problems encountered by the previous group
and discussing design challenges with our project supervisor we believe that we can
successfully deliver a working Stirling engine that can be used for classroom
demonstration. The Stirling cycle is an excellent reference for teaching thermodynamic
principles and external heat engine cycles.
In the recent ‘green-energy’ movement the Stirling cycle has received renewed interest in
the area of solar energy generation, and it is the intention of our group to help raise
awareness and promote renewable energies by demonstrating the effectiveness of the
Stirling engine. Our group has finalized the following objectives and design
requirements.
Problem Statement: To harness the power of heat and utilize the laws of
thermodynamics to efficiently generate mechanical energy.
Project Objectives: To design and construct a Stirling engine for demonstration
purposes with the ability to function via a solar heat source.
Design Criteria & Performance Objectives: The following design requirements
summarize the scope of the project and the final goals and objectives we wish to achieve.
We are confident that we can deliver a working Stirling engine that will be cost-effective,
low maintenance, safe, and of quality in design by applying heat transfer, mechanical and
thermodynamic principles.
10/6/08 1

2. MECH 4010 – DESIGN PROJECT I – DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR STIRLING ENGINE
Design & Operational Elements
· Must be able to operate using a solar heat source.
· Must be able to operate using a compact heat source that is safe for indoor
use.
· Must be able to operate unassisted after starting for a minimum of 5 minutes
(except for a controlling heat source).
· Must be built to a standard which delivers a minimum service life expectancy
of 5 years, if properly maintained.
Size, Weight and Complexity
· Total engine size and weight to be such that safe and easy transportation is
possible by 1 person.
· Must be mounted on a compact support structure for stability and safety.
· Will be designed for ease of maintenance and assembly.
Aesthetics & Safety
· High temperature regions must be clearly indicated.
· Engine cylinder must be equipped with a removable fitting for piston
inspection and pressure release.
Documentation
· Supporting documentation and user instructions to be provided for later usage
within the Mechanical Engineering department of Dalhousie University.
Cost & Materials
· Pending the usage of machining time and salvaged components, the prototype
is estimated to cost less than $3500. Costs will be finalized in the budget.
· Construction materials for the support frame and engine will consist mainly of
steel or aluminum, depending on cost, availability, and component purpose.
· Precision components such as pistons, piston rings, and bearings may be
purchased off the shelf or salvaged.
10/6/08 2

3. MECH 4010 – DESIGN PROJECT I – DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR STIRLING ENGINE
Our group will work together in all aspects of the design process and will take full
ownership of the Intellectual Property (IP) of the design. Prototype ownership will belong
to the department of Mechanical Engineering of Dalhousie University.
Team acceptances:
Name: _____________________ Date: _____________________
Name: _____________________ Date: _____________________
Name: _____________________ Date: _____________________
Name: _____________________ Date: _____________________
Supervisor’s acceptance:
Name: _____________________ Date: _____________________
10/6/08 3