3 ms·
Is a thermocouple more efficient than a Sterling engine, or just more reliable because of the lack of moving parts?
by jamesmcn 14y ago
Is a thermocouple more efficient than a Sterling engine, or just more reliable because of the lack of moving parts?
- sliverstorm 14y agoDon't forget more compact. A sterling engine would require a generator, which in turn means a regulator and a rectifier. Plus, R&R's aren't very reliable either. When the alternator in your car dies, it's usually the R&R that failed. The main disadvantages of thermocouples are cost and efficiency, but cost isn't a big deal for mega government projects and efficiency isn't a big deal when the goals are modest (i.e. not flying about like a helicopter) and the power source is amazing (i.e. nuclear decay)