06-12-2008, 03:59 AM
From my reading I have gotten the impression that the average low pressure steam engine system that your average do it your selfer could handle would be quite low efficiency, like 5% to 7%. This means some mechanical energy and a lot of waste heat which you will throw away if you can't find a use for it. You could heat water but I think you will not need that much hot water. Still, if you are only burning quava and if you are burning it efficiently without creating a lot of pollution, it could work.
Are there any off the shelf stirling engines to be had out there? My understanding is that a stirling engine could be 15% to 20% efficient and would not need the steam system.
Are there any off the shelf stirling engines to be had out there? My understanding is that a stirling engine could be 15% to 20% efficient and would not need the steam system.