David Alvear

Stirling Engine Prototype

In 2015, at the National University of Colombia, I collaborated with a dedicated team of physical engineering students, including Camila Orozco and Liceth Uchima, under the leadership of Juan Botero, to innovate in the realm of energy generation. Our research centered on the Stirling engine, an external combustion engine that offers unparalleled flexibility by drawing energy from a multitude of sources, including sunlight. Leveraging Colombia's abundant solar radiation, we aimed to design a machine that could harness this solar energy and convert it into mechanical work. This technology holds transformative potential, especially for remote Colombian communities lacking electricity and clean water. The prototype, intricately designed in Solid Edge ST6, effectively utilized a parabolic trough to concentrate solar rays, achieving desired temperature levels. Despite challenges with cylinder clearances, the project showcased meticulous design, synchronization, and a creative approach to low-budget solutions, laying a strong foundation for further research in sustainable energy solutions.