Types of Stirling Engines: Alpha, Beta and Gamma

A concise guide to the major Stirling engine configurations and what mechanically distinguishes them.

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Alpha

Alpha configurations use separate hot and cold power pistons connected through the working-gas path.

Beta

Beta engines arrange a power piston and displacer within the same cylinder.

Gamma

Gamma engines separate the power piston cylinder from the displacer cylinder, a layout commonly encountered in educational models.

Return to the Stirling engine guide.