This is a commercially produced Stirling cycle engine, which was first invented in the 1800s and continues to be popular among model engineers. By taking advantage of the temperature difference above and below a piston, the Stirling engine seems to work like magic. Increasing the temperature differential increases the speed of the engine. Early examples powered by a small flame were used to power table fans before electricity. This Stirling engine was donated by Leo Bollar.
Stirling Cycle Engine
