Southern Schools

ESU Science

January 10, 2023

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On December 7th the ESU joined all the 6th graders to demonstrate how thermal and mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy. The students were able to observe how a source of heat (thermal energy) could be placed under the engine and with a little push (mechanical energy) to start the flywheel the engine could run forever. Matt and Patrick with the ESU, brought 2 types of Stirling engines. The first was a simple motor that demonstrated the basic mechanics of how they work. The motor (like the one in the picture) was placed over a beaker of hot water and used the thermal energy of the steam to warm the heat exchanger. The second Stirling motor was powered by an alcohol-fueled candle and was equipped with a small alternator that would power a LED light. As the motor produced energy the color of the light would change based on the power being generated. The original Stirling engine was patented in 1816.