The heart of this highly unusual heat engine is a ring made of hair-thin Nitinol wire (0.3 mm). All it needs is a little warm water, and the Nitinol motor begins to turn and pound tirelessly.
Nitinol, an alloy of nickel and titanium, has highly unusual properties: when warm, it is stiff and elastic like spring steel, but below a certain temperature it becomes as pliable as soft iron. This can be repeated as often as desired; when heated, Nitinol always returns to its original shape, suddenly and with astonishing force. The transition temperature of our Nitinol wire ring is 45°C.
This is how the Nitinol motor works: the wire is soft in air, but when it is immersed in water at a temperature of 50°, it suddenly becomes stiff and straight. However, because the grooved wheel forces it into a curve, it has to move upwards. In doing so, it pulls a new piece of wire behind it into the warm water, and the whole process starts again.
The basic principle, invented by Frederic Wang in 1985, is effective even at low temperature differences and has great potential for alternative energy generation.
Scope of delivery:
- Pre-cut and printed construction cardboard for assembly: 6 x DIN A4
- Detailed assembly instructions
- Extensive accessories such as Nitinol wire ring, axles and wheels
Required: Beverage can and tea light
Dimensions of the assembled item: approx. 16 x 14 x 19 cm (W/D/H), without connecting rods
