Solar Stirling Engine

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A Sterling engine is a closed-cycle regenerative heat engine that harnesses mechanical work from temperature-driven compression and expansion of its gaseous working fluid, typically air, hydrogen, or helium. The working fluid undergoes a cyclic process involving cooling, compression, heating, and expansion, facilitated by moving the gas between hot and cold heat exchangers, often with a re-generator in between. The hot heat exchanger connects to an external heat source, like a fuel burner, while the cold one links to an external heat sink, such as air fins. The temperature changes lead to pressure fluctuations, which in turn drive the power piston for power strokes and ease compression on return strokes, yielding net energy output.