New engine generates electricity from the cold of night: how it works.

According to Korrespondent.net: At the University of California, Davis, engineers have presented a new method of generating energy using an innovative engine that can generate electricity at night thanks to cooling, reports New Atlas. This development is based on a modified Stirling engine – a well-known mechanism capable of operating without fuel, using even minor sources of heat, such as a cup of tea or the cooling of an ice cube.

Principle of operation of the engine

The Stirling engine, invented in 1816 by Scottish engineer and priest Robert Stirling, works thanks to closed air as the working gas and the temperature difference between two sections. Even minimal temperature differences can cause the piston to move, making these engines very efficient and quiet. However, they have not yet competed successfully with modern thermal technologies.

Using night cooling

The Davis team utilized the natural effect of night cooling: in dry areas with clear skies, the ground retains heat after sunset while the air cools quickly, as heat easily 'escapes' into space, where temperatures reach -270 °C. This creates an ideal temperature difference for the engine to operate.

The engineers equipped the device with a special plate made of material that actively emits heat into space. Underneath, a 'hot chamber' forms, while the upper part remains cool. Thanks to such a contrast, which exceeds 10 °C for most of the year, the system can generate up to 400 mW of energy per square meter. This would be enough, for example, to operate a small fan for air or CO2 circulation in a greenhouse.

Previously, it was reported that 'smart' wind turbines for household use were created in Italy.

A lightweight electric motor without the use of copper has been created in South Korea.

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This development opens new perspectives in the energy sector, especially in the context of the growing need for ecological and renewable energy sources. Utilizing the potential of night cooling can be an important step towards reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and improving energy efficiency in various fields. It is expected that such technologies will be applicable not only in industry but also in everyday life, providing the opportunity to save energy resources.