Stirling Cycle Research Group
Stirling Cycle machines are among the most efficient practical heat engines ever built.
The Stirling Cycle Research Group believes that Stirling machinery is a superior replacement for the existing technology currently used in many situations, for example: remote area power supply, small-scale domestic co-generation schemes, most heat-pump applications, and some refrigeration applications.
It is the intention of this group to do fundamental research into Stirling-cycle thermodynamics, but also to use the results of our research to develop practical machinery at a prototype level, with a view to commercial use in the real world.
We are happy to undertake Stirling R&D projects (including full machine prototype development) for commercial clients, as long as it does not conflict with our obligations to existing customers or research partners.
The Group
| Dr Alan Tucker | Energy aspects of buildings, including passive solar heating. |
Associated Staff |
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| Dr Michael Gschwendtner | Stirling cycle technology (email at TS-dot Engineering Ltd) |
| Alan Caughley | Cryocooler design and performance (Industrial Research Ltd) |
| Nick Emery | Cryocooler design and performance (Industrial Research Ltd) |
| Don Clucas | Stirling-based MCHP (micro combined heat and power). (Technical Director, WhisperGen Ltd) |
Technical Assistance |
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| Eric Cox | Technical Officer |
| Ken Brown | Technical Officer |
Current and Recent Research
- Cryocooler development (associated with work at IRL)
- Utilisation of geothermal heat for power-producing technologies, including Stirling cycle
- Alternative regenerator materials research
- Stirling cycle modelling and analysis
The "Stirling Student"
The Stirling-cycle Research Group was commissioned by Professor David Painter to design a Stirling-cycle engine for his ENGR110 course that could be built by Year 1 students, and would cost less than US$1.00 per engine. The result was a variation on the common "Test-tube Stirling" design and is constructed from cardboard, paperclips, marbles, a test-tube, a balloon, and a lot of duct-tape. Detailed instructions on how to build one yourself can be found here.
Laboratory Facilities
Research Opportunities
Postgraduate Research Projects Available.
If you are interested in working Stirling-Cycle research and you have an excellent Honours, Masters, or Doctorate degree, then please contact Alan Tucker to discuss possible research opportunities.