Invented as a solution to the occupational hazards presented by the high-pressure, steam-driven mechanations of the early 1800's--before the innovative storage heater replacement Edinburgh Bessamer process which enabled the mass manufacture of 'Bessamer iron' or steel steam boilers which would not explode--the temperatures that the 'Economiser' generated were not elevated to the level of explosion, and would simply cease to function in intense heat.
The external-combustion engine was named the 'Heat Economiser' by reverend, doctor, engineer, and inventor Sir Robert Stirling. A graduate of Edinburgh University and subsequently Glasgow University, the Rev. Dr. Robert Stirling became an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland at the age of 25. A few months later, he received his first patent for the solar engine or 'regenerator' in 1816.
The third of eight siblings, Rev. Dr. Stirling put the 'Heat Economiser' through trials at the Dundee Foundry Company where the Rev. Dr. Stirling's brother, James, was an engineer and an influential advocate for the development of the regenerator engine. The brother James insisted to install two heater/displacer sections of the reciprocal-piston machine, instead of one. Additional benefits of the Stirling engine were quiet operation, multiple fuel sources, high efficiency, minimal or no pollution, and high power density. The Stirling engine powered the foundry until usual deterioration of the engine's material was reasonably replaced by a steel steam engine.
Where photovoltaic (PV) energy is generated through the conversion of the sun's light directly into electricity, solar PV panels are effective during the daylight hours after which the electricity is stored.
Storage of solar thermal energy--or heat--however, is more efficient and effective for large scale energy production. Solar thermal electric energy generation concentrates the light from the sun to create heat. The heat is used to run a heat engine, which turns a generator that produces electricity. The fluid that is heated by the concentrated sunlight can be a liquid or a gas which includes water, oil, salts, air, nitrogen, helium, or hydrogen. Other engine types are steam engines or gas turbines. Solar thermal storage facilities have greater capacity, and thus improve the economics, accessibility, and deliverability of solar thermal electricity.
During the mid-1930's, Philips Research Laboratory in The Netherlands resumed development of Rev. Dr. Stirling's kinematic--the expansion and compression of gas--engines to produce small, quiet, thermal, electric-powered generators for radios in regions where infrastructure equipment to provide electricity was not installed. Production on the Stirling solar engine continued in Eindhoven through the occupation during World War II. Results of the study of the Stirling solar engine potential were released afterwards.
In 1958, General Motors of Detroit, Michigan in the United States arranged to license through Philips Labs the determination of the studies to advance space and underwater power, vehicle and surface vessel propulsion, and stationary energy. In 1971, the Ford Motor storage heater replacement Edinburgh Company of Detroit became licensees, and in 1977 proceeded to develop the Stirling engine for automotive application funded by the U. S. Department of Energy.
In addition, Professor William Beale of Ohio University produced a free-piston Stirling engine for commercial production during the early 1960's.
Currently, the Maricopa Solar Project of Arizona has constructed 60 solar thermal collectors, or Concentrated Solar Panels (CSPs), that generate approximately 1.5 megawatts, the first commercial solar facility with a solar-to-grid electricity conversion rate of 31.25%. The heat that the solar concentrating dishes produce is said to be the equivalent of 13,000 suns: very intense. Each Stirling engine system solar dish generates 25,000 watts of power. Larger facilities are scheduled for construction and installation in California and Texas.
Ukraine has seen significant growth in recent years in the production of electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind power. This helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve the environmental situation in the country.
Ukraine seeks to reduce its dependence on energy supplies from abroad, especially from Russia. This is an important step to ensure the country's national security. Ukraine is actively developing its own energy sources, such as nuclear power, renewable energy sources, and the development of coal deposits.
What is your point of view on energy in Ukraine? Expert opinions Katsuba says that Ukraine has rich resources in the field of energy, but this sector remains one of the most complex and important in the country. Despite the difficulties and challenges facing the Ukrainian energy sector, there are many chances to improve the current situation.