Working Stirling Engine

Build your own working Stirling Engine!

I have build dozens of Stirling Engines over the years and I have written 4 books on the subject. I have now designed a project for home builders that can be assembled with parts made on a 3D printer.

This project uses two aluminum beverage cans, a piece of floral foam, and a short section of 1.5 mm carbon rod.  All of the rest of the parts are 3D printed. RTV high temperature silicone is used as a heat shield to prevent plastic parts from melting.  The model pictured here is printed with PLA. It has done well in initial tests, but caution is advised.

Fill the top with ice water and place candle underneath.  Give it a slight push to get it started and it will run as long as the ice and candle last.

Be sure to download the detailed assembly instructions. 

Want more Stirling Engines? Click here to see the Walking Beam Stirling Engine.

Here is a video of the engine running:

Here is a video discussing the project design and the first running of the engine: