Solar engine made from 3D printer

By using 3D printing technology, an average person can also create a solar-powered engine.

3D printing technology can create solar-powered engines. Photo: Popsci

German engineer Andreas Haeuser uses a 3D printer to create a solar-powered Stirling engine.

Stirling engines typically use heat to drive flywheels. But instead of using steam, Haeuser's technology uses optical mirrors to concentrate sunlight and increase efficiency. This engine model can be applied to pumping water or generating electricity.

Aside from commonly available parts like nuts and bolts, all the rest of the engine can be 3D printed from a variety of plastics. Hauser is selling the files to print the parts for around $15.

Although the motors are limited in their ability to generate energy, the convenience and reasonable cost of production can be applied anywhere with sunlight, from rural areas to developed areas. Owning a 3D printer is enough to be able to freely create solar-powered motors.

According to VnExpress