Thermodynamics is a class about temperature and pressure changes in gasses and how to use those properties to generate power.

 

The final project for that class is the production of a sterling engine. I designed and produced a sterling engine named IGOR which used all of the teachings from the class to convert candle power into torque. As the candles burn the pressure differential moves a piston, which in turn both introduces cold air onto the candle as well as using the energy generated to move a crankshaft. This cycle results in the turning of a large fan which when in operation cools the heat sink in this system, increasing the thermal efficiency.