stackyFACTSMost engines rely on internal explosions, but the Stirling engine thrives on simple temperature differences.
Most engines rely on internal explosions, but the Stirling engine thrives on simple temperature differences. A sealed cylinder contains a fixed amount of gas. When you apply heat to one side, the gas violently expands, pushing a piston. As the gas is shoved to the cold side, it contracts, pulling the piston back. You can literally power these engines with a cup of hot coffee, exploiting nothing but the basic thermal expansion of atmospheric gases.
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