This Stirling engine is a heat engine that operates by cyclic compression and expansion of air at different temperature levels. The lamp heats the glass tube causing the piston to be pushed out, allowing the air to flow into the cylinder and be cooled by the alloy fins which in turn pushes the metal piston to complete the cycle. The simple stirling engine is a fantastic item to display on a shelf with its Nickel plated finish and CNC machined brass components, its a great way to amaze visitors or teach others about internal/external combustion engines. You will need only Methanol (95% of greater) to power the engine.