BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Main Campus
Instruction Office

Vision: A premier Science and Technology university for the formation of world class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.

Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the professional and technological fields;
undertake research and development and extension services for the sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

College of Engineering, Architecture and Industrial Design

Mechanical Engineering Department
First Semester, A.Y. 2023 - 2024

FINAL PROJECT
ME 211 – Thermodynamics 1

Timothy Brylle C. Salise

Archie V. Ebarle
Lounard Phillip M. Dumanat
Charles Daohog
(BSME-2A)

ENGR. JANETH C. RESERVA

Instructor

F-AQA-INS-001 | Rev. 1 | 09/18/23 | Page 1 of 9

 BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Main Campus
Instruction Office

Vision: A premier Science and Technology university for the formation of world class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.

Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the professional and technological fields;
undertake research and development and extension services for the sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

Stirling Engine

I. Introduction

The Stirling Engine is an engine that operates on the principle of cyclic compression and
expansion of air or other gases. Unlike traditional combustion engines, it relies on an external heat
source to drive the working fluid, typically air, in a closed-loop system. This project aims to construct a
Stirling engine from scratch, emphasizing hands-on learning and practical application of
thermodynamic principles. The project's background lies in the exploration of sustainable energy
solutions and understanding the efficiency and mechanics of Stirling engines. By engaging in this
endeavor, students gain insights into heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and the intricacies of
thermodynamic cycles.

II. Methodology

This experiment measures the understanding of the students about Stirling Cycles. It helps them to
understand a lot deeper about the said topic. It also teach the students on how to work with others
efficiently.

II.I Materials

• Two soft drink cans and a larger can

• Atleast 50 centimeter steel rod
• Baking soda
• Super glue
• Three compact disc
• Thin steel wall and sandpaper
• Fuel
• Elbow pipe
• Balloon
• Plastic bottle
• Rubber band and locks

F-AQA-INS-001 | Rev. 1 | 09/18/23 | Page 2 of 9

 BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Main Campus
Instruction Office

Vision: A premier Science and Technology university for the formation of world class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.

Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the professional and technological fields;
undertake research and development and extension services for the sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

II.II Procedures

1. Firstly, the tip of the can was rubbed to the sandpaper repeatedly until the lid was separated to
the can. It was done by the other can too then using the sand paper to make it smoother.
2. The center of the lids was drilled and connected them together by super glue, then the steel
rod was inserted to the center of the lids.
3. The space between the two lids was filled with steel wall or fine aluminum wire. After this,
displacement piston was made.

4. Secondly, the opening of the can was cutted a little bit and the burrs was removed by
sandpaper to make it smoother.
5. Connect the elbow pipe to the upper right part of the can was done by mixing super glue with
baking soda.
6. Creating a hole inside the can which connect to the elbow pipe and making sure that there will
be no leak. After this, the bottom part of the engine was made.
7. For the upper part, get the other can and make a window-like hole in it.
8. Drill the center of the bottom part with exact diameter of the rod. Do the thing at the upper right
and left of the can.
9. Connecting the two cans and sealing it properly ensures that there will be no leaks. The
excess rod in displacement piston was cutted.
10. Then, by making the flying wheel, steel rod was used by bending it with exact size and angle
show in these pictures.

F-AQA-INS-001 | Rev. 1 | 09/18/23 | Page 3 of 9

 BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Main Campus
Instruction Office

Vision: A premier Science and Technology university for the formation of world class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.

Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the professional and technological fields;
undertake research and development and extension services for the sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

11. After that, the flying wheel was inserted to the holes of the upper part of the can.
12. Another rod is being used to connect the flying and the displacement piston in order to lift it
when circulating. It was made sure that the piston wont touch the bottom part of the can when
it is in lowest point and cover the hole when it is in its highest.
13. On the other hand, the plastic bottle was cutted and connected it to the tip of the elbow pipe
ensuring that it was sealed properly.
14. Now, the plastic bottle was covered by the balloon and connected it to the other side of the
flying wheel.
15. Three CDs was connected on the opposite side of the flying wheel and locked it properly to
serve as the starter of the engine. After this, stirling engine was made.
16. Upon testing the engine, the larger can was used to serve as a stove. Lighting the fuel and
making sure that heat reaced directly to the bottom part of the engine. Then, spinning the
starter and let the engine functions.

II.III Safety Precautions

Upon conducting this experiment, students should follow safety precautions.

• Always wear PPE while conducting this experiment.

• Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes or gases generated during the process.
• Be attentive and cooperative while working with others.
• Avoid using too much flammable materials or fuels.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of accidental fires, especially when working with heat
sources.
• Be cautious with sharp tools when cutting or modifying cans to prevent injuries.
• Avoid horse-playing
• When testing the engine, do so in a controlled environment to observe its behavior without
unexpected consequences.
F-AQA-INS-001 | Rev. 1 | 09/18/23 | Page 4 of 9
 BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Main Campus
Instruction Office

Vision: A premier Science and Technology university for the formation of world class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.

Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the professional and technological fields;
undertake research and development and extension services for the sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

• Always clean the place properly after the experiment.

III. Results and Discussion

This chapter depicts the results and discussion about the Stirling Engine. The students had
bought all the necessary materials and built the Stirling Engine by hand. It was then tested and
observed.

Figure 3.1. The Stirling Engine

Figure 3.1 shows the Stirling Engine and throughout its development the students learned a lot
of things. Firstly, the students gain a profound understanding of thermodynamics, particularly the
principles behind heat transfer, compression, and expansion of gases. The Stirling engine is a device
that operates on the principles of thermodynamics, utilizing the cyclic compression and expansion of
a working fluid to convert heat energy into mechanical work. In this external combustion engine, an
external heat source, generated through burning fuel and is crucial for its operation. The engine's
cyclic process involves four main stages: expansion, cooling, compression, and heating or more
specifically isothermal heat addition (expansion), isometric heat removal (constant volume),
isothermal heat removal (compression), isometric heat addition (constant volume). The Stirling engine
cycle begins with isothermal heat addition (expansion), where the working fluid is heated, causing it to
expand and perform mechanical work. Subsequently, in the isometric heat removal (constant
volume), the gas cools at a constant volume, expelling heat. This sets the stage for isothermal heat
removal (compression), where the piston compresses the fluid, and despite the compression, heat is
F-AQA-INS-001 | Rev. 1 | 09/18/23 | Page 5 of 9
 BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Main Campus
Instruction Office

Vision: A premier Science and Technology university for the formation of world class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.

Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the professional and technological fields;
undertake research and development and extension services for the sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

expelled. The cycle concludes with isometric heat addition (constant volume), where external heat is
added, initiating a new cycle.

The Stirling engine also employs two crucial components which is the power piston and the
displacer piston, each serving distinct roles in the engine's operation. The power piston is responsible
for converting the thermal energy of the working fluid into mechanical work. During the isothermal
expansion phase, as the working fluid is heated, it expands and pushes the power piston, generating
the movement required for mechanical work. Conversely, during the isothermal compression phase,
the power piston is driven by the compression of the cooled working fluid, completing the mechanical
work cycle. On the other hand, the displacer piston plays a role in managing the movement of the
working fluid between the hot and cold regions of the engine. It facilitates the transfer of the working
fluid from the hot side to the cold side during the isothermal expansion phase and vice versa during
the isothermal compression phase. This displacement of the working fluid ensures an efficient
transfer of heat within the engine, optimizing the thermodynamic cycle. Throughout the development
the hands-on experience that the students had gained goes beyond theoretical knowledge, allowing
them to witness how these principles apply in a real-world context.

Moreover, the project instills problem-solving skills as students encounter challenges in the
construction and optimization of the Stirling engine. Identifying and addressing issues related to heat
dissipation, mechanical friction, and component efficiency require a combination of analytical thinking
and practical problem-solving. The students also realize the importance of precision in engineering.
Assembling the various components of the Stirling engine demands meticulous attention to detail,
ensuring airtight seals, proper alignment, and efficient heat exchange. This attention to precision is a
transferable skill applicable to various engineering disciplines. Collaboration and teamwork are
inherent aspects of the project. Students often work in groups, sharing insights and troubleshooting
together. This collaborative environment fosters effective communication, teamwork, and the ability to
leverage diverse skills to achieve a common goal.

IV. Documentation

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 BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Main Campus
Instruction Office

Vision: A premier Science and Technology university for the formation of world class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.

Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the professional and technological fields;
undertake research and development and extension services for the sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

F-AQA-INS-001 | Rev. 1 | 09/18/23 | Page 7 of 9

 BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Main Campus
Instruction Office

Vision: A premier Science and Technology university for the formation of world class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.

Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the professional and technological fields;
undertake research and development and extension services for the sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

F-AQA-INS-001 | Rev. 1 | 09/18/23 | Page 8 of 9

 BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Main Campus
Instruction Office

Vision: A premier Science and Technology university for the formation of world class and virtuous human resource for sustainable
development in Bohol and the country.

Mission: BISU is committed to provide quality higher education in the arts and sciences, as well as in the professional and technological fields;
undertake research and development and extension services for the sustainable development of Bohol and the country.

F-AQA-INS-001 | Rev. 1 | 09/18/23 | Page 9 of 9