| Abstract: | Emphasis is placed upon selecting working fluid in the drinking bird heat engine. The power output is correlated with thermal efficiency, temperature gradient and heat transfer coefficient. Experimental results are illustrated by our theoretical approaches. We find that thermal efficiency will he largely improved if energy loss due to reheating is eliminated. Method of avoiding reheating and choice of connector height are also discussed. The selection of working fluid mainly depends upon temperature difference. Our theoretical development and experimental results are very useful in constructing a real engine. |
