Daniel Lyonnet's Engines

New 7/21/99

Plans for ASAP engine added 10/22/99


Daniel Lyonnet of Chatenoy, France, sends photos of some of his Stirling engines. In contrast to most engine modelers, Daniel often works in wood. In fact, his very first Stirling engine, although a fairly complex engine, used wood for all the linkages! One of his latest creations is a beer can engine with a difference: Some wooden parts, and a diaphragm made from a balloon! Daniel sends plans and instructions for making this engine which you will find here. I am sure that you will agree that this engine has some very interesting features, and that may encourage you to make one for yourself. And now for the photos, with larger views just a click away ;-)

D. lyonnet's first Stirling engine "the Old Man" "The Old Man" left side view "The Old Man" right side view
This is Daniel's first engine. He comments: Started in 1983 and finished in 1997! Here the "Old Man" has been fitted with a base and a cooling system. we need to know more about this! "The Old Man" from the other side. That's an interesting looking radiator.
"The Vertical" Stirling engine by D. Lyonnet
"Le Monsteur" The white base is the washing machine, to give you an idea of the scale. A closer view of "The Monster". Note the wooden linkage and the bellows power piston. More original thinking from M. Lyonnet. How's this for a change of pace? Daniel's "Vertical". The only wood in evidence is the base. thsi shows that Daniel is as good with metal as with wood.
Lyonnet's model of Stirling's 1816 engine Stirling's 1816 engine, end view the "Not as simple as Possible" Stirling engine
Daniel's model of Stirling's 1816 engine. Daniel notes that the linkage is aluminum (see note below) Here we see the linkage to greater advantage.

 

The "Not As Simple As Possible" Stirling engine (NASAP). that is quite a circulatory system!
3 of D. Lyonnet's Stirling engines the"As simple as Possible" Stirling engine by D. Lyonnet  
From right to left: complex, simpler, simplest! A fine trio of engines from Daniel. And the finale: "ASAP" the "As Simple as Possible" Stirling engine. Daniel has provided plans and instructions for this engine, which are now posted here.  

Note on the 1816 Stirling replica: Our first comment was that the linkage was of wood. Daniel says "The 1816 engine linkage is of aluminum. At the beginning I tried a wood linkage, but this engine had quite good power, and the wood was not strong enough. I exhibited it at the Paris modeller show, and it ran 8 hours a day during 9 days without trouble." Quite a testimony for an historical model!