Discover the Solar Stirling Engine
A combination of natural light and magnetic energy
The levitating solar Stirling engine consists of a transparent base topped by an octagonal rotor held in place by a central bar. It is achieved by a circuit of magnetic coils inside the rotor and magnets strategically placed on the base and the ends of the bar. This solar-powered Stirling engine works on the principle of Lorentz force, using natural light and light friction to drive the rotor.
A touch of magic with this Solar Stirling Engine
Placed on your table or anywhere else, this levitating solar Stirling engine will be a hit with young and old alike. Its futuristic design and the absence of a visible power source mean that this Stirling engine seems to float when it’s running. Easy to maintain and assemble, it will fascinate you at first sight.
Features of the Solar Stirling Engine
- Materials : Solar panel, magnets, plastic
- Dimensions: 14 cm x 6 cm
- Speed : 300 to 1500 rpm
- Style: Stirling engine
- Scientific gift idea
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the solar engine work?
This model is driven by light and magnetism. Its solar panel turns light into electric current, which flows through coils in the rotor, and magnets push on that current, an effect called the Lorentz force, to spin it.
Why does the rotor appear to float?
Magnets placed on the base and at the ends of the bar hold the octagonal rotor in position, so it seems to float above the transparent base while it turns.
What does it need to run?
It runs on light only, with no visible power source. The brighter the light, the faster it turns, with speeds from 300 to 1500 rpm.
How big is it?
It measures 14 x 6 cm and is made of plastic, magnets and a solar panel. It is described as easy to assemble and maintain, so it makes a tidy piece for a desk or windowsill.
Lab protocol What we guarantee with this order Carefully packed to arrive in one piece.
The Stirling engine, a fun and decorative object
If you love science and mechanics, discover our Stirling Engine collection, fascinating external combustion engines that combine high precision and quality. Ideal for decorating your home in a fun and original way. What's more, the vintage touch of this scientific object will add cachet to your decor.
Customers who viewed this Sterling engine also viewed
Graham Pickering –
Lovely little thing once it’s going, but the box arrived a good week after the date I was given and the postie just left it on the wheelie bin. Engine itself was fine. Needs properly strong direct sunlight to get moving, so don’t expect much on a typical grey afternoon.
Priya Nair –
Bought this for my nine-year-old who’s been obsessed with how things work lately. We put it on the windowsill and within a few minutes the flywheel started turning on its own, and he just stared at it, then ran off to fetch his dad. Now he’s explaining the hot and cold side to anyone who’ll listen, including the dog. Worth every penny.
Margaret Holloway –
Got this for my grandson’s birthday. His smile when it started spinning in the sunshine was a picture. Lovely little gift.
Callum Reid –
ordered again from here, as usual, and no complaints. Well made and quite mesmerising to watch on the desk at work, colleagues keep stopping by to ask what it is. Only thing is it’s a bit smaller than the photos made me think. Still cracking for the money.
Rhiannon Davies –
Spot on. Sat it by the patio doors and the thing just hums away, the heat difference doing all the work. Brilliant conversation starter.
Margaret Hollis –
bought this for my grandson Alfie, who’s nine, and he hasn’t left it alone since the postie dropped it off. We put it on the windowsill and he stood there watching the flywheel start up for a good ten minutes, then ran off to tell his mum. Chuffed to bits, both of us.
Daniel Pritchard –
Spot on. Never really understood how a Stirling engine worked until I sat this under my desk lamp and watched it go. The warmth on one side and the cooler air on the other keeps the gas moving, and that’s what turns the flywheel. Looks lovely on the shelf too, and every visitor ends up asking about it.