A Manson Hot Air Engine

[awJCKDup]

This is my latest build, not original but backwards engineered from videos of a design by Rene Schaffer. I found it to be an interesting engine so I gave it a shot. I managed to build something that ran, but not as good as the ones in the videos I have seen, but I'll take it. The engine has a sleeve like valve that opens to atmosphere at the point where the displacer is closest to the flame and when it is as far from the flame as it gets. I'm watching it run, and I still don't believe it. It makes an interesting sound and will run in both directions. Hmmm.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc5V1AF-mHY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc5V1AF-mHY</a>

[b.lindsey]

Looks like it's running very well to me....very nicely done!!

Bill

[jschoenly]

That's very cool!  I'm not sure I understand the "cycle" on this with the porting.  Love to see more detail on these!

[awJCKDup]

Thanks Bill. jschoenly, glad you think it is cool, I do too, If you hold your finger very lightly over the vent in the crankcase you can feel it sucking and blowing, very faintly, this is because the cylinder is equalizing pressure due to the valve, I think. Here is a link that might help you understand.
 http://manson-ericsson-hae.blogspot.com/p/ma.html

I'm surprised more people haven't chimed in, oh well, what floats my boat, might not float others

John

[b.lindsey]

John, I am a  bit surprised as well, as we have numerous Stirling enthusiasts here on the forum. I did a little looking around today myself and there is information out there. I have put it on the build list, may not be at the top right now but definitely one to do. Thanks again for sharing it and the video of your engine.

Bill

[Admiral_dk]

A nice engine and a fine video + thank you very much for the link to the explanation 

Best wishes

Per

[tvoght]

It's a really interesting engine John, and it runs like a top. I've heard of the Manson engines, but never really followed up on the details. The little animation you linked to explains it pretty clearly.

--Tim

[zeeprogrammer]

That looks and runs great!

It looks like such a simple design...yet it has a complexity to it. Very nice balance.

Thanks for showing.

[Zephyrin]

Hi,
very nice built, and a fine engine, congratulations.

A point against the Manson engine as compared to the Stirling is that he releases hot air under pressure in a phase of its cycle, and does not use the complete detent of warmed air...
The theory of the manson engine (and of many other hot air engines) is fully exposed in the website of Pierre Gras
http://www.moteurairchaud.com/manson/theorie.php


here is a description for building a Manson engine by Manson himself...

[Humphreymachineworks]

Hello, this is my first time posting on this fourm. I joined to learn more about the Manson engine as I am a studying machinist, and building my first model engine, the Manson. Wonderful engine you built by the way! My design is a bit different but I'm sure the questions will still apply. In the original description from Mr. Manson it describes a pipe running from the far end of the displacer piston to one of the ports on the working piston. I see a lot of designs that don't seem to use a hole in the end of the displacer piston; rather there is just a hole that leaks air from inside the displacer piston to the working piston to prevent a build up of pressure. Is this pipe necessary after all? I think I am missing something and am desperately trying understand in order to finish my design drawings. Any help would be more than appreciated. If what I typed doesn't make sense please ask me to clarify. Thank You! Jesse

[b.lindsey]

Hi Jesse and welcome to the forum. I hope someone can address your question here and give you a good answer. In the mean time, please take the time to post an introduction in the "Introduce Yourself" section so that we will know more about your interests, tools, and welcome you properly to the forum.

Bill

[Myrickman]

Neat design John....kind of reminds me of the Caley (sp) or Roper designs but does all the valving via the piston. Now that you've peaked my interest, how's about some build photos? What kind of clearances for the valve piston and liner? Paul

[Bertie_Bassett]

looks like an interesting design, may have to attempt one myself.

got any further details?