the only problem i see with using it is its loud, and looks to burn meths or something like that. Though would be great to scale it up by about 50% as a small generator if in an area that people wouldnt be able to hear.
From what I read, the motor will only run with extreme minimal friction within it and so putting any external load onto it, would halt the cycle.
The Stirling engine is a viable alternative to the internal combustion engine. Its primary limitation is slow start-up time and while this is a problem for a vehicle engine it's not so much so for typical prep applications (such as pumps or generators).
A Stirling engine can be used with any heat source similar to a steam engine and does not suffer from particularly low load capability.
aaaah my old friend the stirling engine, how i love thee!
you can buy little desktop demonstration ones that run from the heat of your hand or a nearby candle! all it is is heat difference facilitating movement, its a very simple idea, but also a beautiful one!
you can buy one here!
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/science/9e84/?srp=1
see this link for details on how it works et cetera!
http://www.thinkgeek.com/files/stirling_...ctions.pdf
i think stirling engines will be a great post event energy system.....also this is a great thread related to energy systems
http://2012forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=22642
i liked the idea about the lister engine, it sounded very do-able, and if well stocked with seeds and growing place then you should be able to produce the necessary oil in bulk easily!
I played with one once, through a LOT of plastic gears we managed to spin a magnet within a coil and it generated enough to light a LED.
As for useful work, no.
Paul, the one you played with sounds very small.
You can get ones big enough to do useful work.
Yep, just about the size of a beer can I'd guess.
Made by an engineering student I used to mentor.