Results from testing a hermetically sealed, single cylinder Stirling engine

A hermetically sealed single-cylinder Stirling engine of beta-type having as new features a pressurized crankcase and permanently lubricated bearings has been tested as a demonstrator unit using provisional electric generators and a natural gas burner. The results were better than predicted due to lower friction losses in bearings and internal seals. The engine could be started at lower gas temperatures than other kinematic Stirling engines. The balancing of inertial forces has been up to expectation, and the permanently lubricated bearings and torque eliminators have performed well