
92 The Principles of Thermodynamics
say, steam engines. It is a testimony to Stirling’s ingenuity that his engine, discovered
before Carnot, is likely to make a serious comeback in modern times. Apart from its
efficiency, the Stirling engine is also distinct by its ability to make use of diverese
sources of heat, not just those burning fuels. In fact in India, Dalmia Cements is
planning a 10 MW thermal plant based on Stirling engines using solar energy.
4.4 The Otto cycle
The Otto cycle is named after the four stroke internal combustion engine built by
Nikolaus Otto in 1876, and which forms the basis for almost all the automobile en-
gines today. Its ...