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Stirling engines are used in some niche applications. In particular, several Swedish and Japanese submarines are powered by Stirling engines running on diesel a
by semi-extrinsic 10y ago
Stirling engines are used in some niche applications. In particular, several Swedish and Japanese submarines are powered by Stirling engines running on diesel and liquid oxygen. The ability to run on a separate oxygen supply from breathing air is apparently a main advantage.
NASA and DOE did some tests with Stirling powered cars in the 70's and 80's. They got up to 50 MPG. In the end, retooling, cheaper fuel and different UX when driving was the negatives that prevented mainstream adoption.