The Bizarre and Amazing Bicycle Wheel Fan

Perhaps the strangest of all non-electric fans, the "bike wheel" hot air fan was more than likely not a commercial success; this is one of only two known survivors made by the Paillard Co. in Switzerland. Not only would it have been expensive to manufacture, but was also somewhat fragile and difficult to transport.
As is seen in the video, six aluminum blades move together with the momentum of the nickel-plated cast iron wheel (equivalent to a bicycle wheel) which acts as the stirling engine's flywheel. The wheel and its bearings (consisting of complex ball bearing assemblies) are suspended by spokes in the same manner as a bicycle's hub and wheels. This fan's wheel was actually taken to a local bike shop for proper alignment. Fuel used in the lamp is alcohol.
No catalog descriptions of this model are known, although the French-born toy and novelty maker Georges Carette offered a smaller version (but without the "bike wheel" flywheel) in 1911 and perhaps earlier. Both this fan and the smaller model were made by the Swiss company Paillard around 1907-14.

[@johnhili8664]

I wouldn't call that bizarre!!! It is beautiful, it is a work of art:-)) Lucky owner!

[@ballHand]

I have a question about stirling fans. Since they run on fire do they really cool anything down? They are really cool but it seems like they would work better if the stirling was powering an electric fan a good distance away from the heat source. Thanks for sharing this video, vintage stirling fans are really cool.

[@reddrryder]

Magnificent!

[@Lechoslowianin]

Super

[@chrisspere4836]

Really beautiful. Having lung illness the fumes would be a problem.

[@roybo1930]

WOW! HOW "COOL IS THIS???

[@digitalgyan2008]

I want to make like this still trying but not success

[@charlesdarby9142]

Love to reproduce hot air engine powered fans for my home is built 1911
Incase of EMD(Rouge) nuclear or sever solar flare should occur
At least me and my family will stay cool