Stirling Engine - Low Temp

[tsbrownie]

I LIKE THIS! It's a Stirling engine. Runs by sitting it above a cup of hot water. It's all metal and glass. Works well (after some adjustment and breaking in). My neighbor and I sat and watched it for 40 minutes. Brand is "Aibecy." Cost $22. If you like motor you'll probably like this.

[mklotz]

I've scratch-built several low temp Stirling engines. They're fairly simple mechanically but because they're so flea-powered they're very subject to friction. Every effort must be made to make them well-sealed and free from friction. If done really well, they'll run on the heat from your hand. I've even seen them run on the latent heat of a seat cushion recently vacated by a seated person.

After watching it run on top of your coffee cup, set it on a plate of ice cubes or one of those freezable gel packs used in coolers. The engine will run but in the opposite direction. All it cares about is the difference in temperature between the top and bottom plate.

[tsbrownie]

I have to try the ice cubes. Thanks.