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.
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.