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The Inventor of the Stirling Engine
An Engine Created for Compassionate Reasons.We usually don't think of the words "engine" and "compassion" in the same thought but that's exactly what a Stirling Engine is: it's an engine created for compassionate reasons.
In the world of 1816, steam engines powered everything from the smallest household device to the largest steam ships and trains. Yes, people were able to get from London to Cardiff quicker than ever before but there was a danger: a steam engine, when overheated, could explode and suddenly become shrapnel, flying in every direction. People nearby such an explosion were often killed or maimed, loosing limbs or eyes. In this world walked a minister with a solution. His name was Robert Stirling.
Nowadays, we don't think of a minister of the Gospel as also being a very capable engineer because professional people today are so specialized in one niche. But in 1816, it was not uncommon that a minister of the Gospel knew as much Greek as he did about the principles of thermodynamics and mathematics—which is to say, he knew a lot! In March 1816, Reverend Robert Stirling became an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland (or what we call the "Presbyterian Church" on this side of the Pond), and was educated in classics, the classical sciences, and the Bible. When he saw his parishioners and friends injured by exploding steam engines, Reverend Stirling decided to do something about it. Yes, he ministered to their souls but what he really wanted to do was to create an engine which could create as much power as a steam engine but be far safer. Working with his brother, James, the two men developed an engine which worked by alternatively heating and cooling air. In November 1816, Reverend Stirling applied for a patent for this unique engine.
The Stirling engines which we present today are the "engineering grandchildren" of Reverend Stirling's engines.
Written by Kathy Bazan.
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