Modern Engineering Thermodynamics

Summary 525
Fill port
160 mm
End of coiled
tube fits loosely
into end of U tube
Water
level
8 mm O/D
Heat applied to
this region
18 mm O/D
Semi stiff
non−kinking
tube to form
connection
8 mm O/D
Sealed top
Non−return
valves
120 mm
Mason jar
8 coils 8.5 or 9 mm O/D tubing,
2140 mm long
FIGURE 13.67
Fruit-jar Stirling engine.
SUMMARY
Vapor and gas power cycles are the heart and soul of applied thermodynamics. Their commercialization brought
humanity from a meager medieval cottage industry to an advanced technological society with a high standard of
living. The empirical development of power-producing technology that began in the 17th century provided the
basis and motivation for the theoretical understanding of thermodynamics as an intellectual pursuit in the mid
19th century. Most of the technology described in this chapter was developed by inventors who did not understand
the theoretical principles involved. Only after they created their ingenious machines did others come
along to interpret their work in the light of a complete thermodynamic analysis. Until now, technology was
often developed by this simple discovery method. The future holds less of this empirical approach to technological
development. Most modern technology is far too complicated to continue to be developed by trial and error
methods. We need to know much more about exactly what we are dealing with to discover new technological
advances that will benefit humankind. Table 13.3 summarizes the basic elements of the power cycles presented
in this chapter.