The Melvin-Base Engine

Introducing the Melvin.  The heart of becoming energy self-reliant.  The Melvin Engine runs off of heat.  The Melvin is a "Universal Generator" (tm), you can use any form of heat to generate electricity. Heat created by wood, propane, natural gas, solar, and bio fuel.  The engine converts the heat energy to rotary motion that turns a generator to generate electricity.  As some of us like to say - "put the wood in one end and electricity comes out the other".

The engine is designed to operate with a temperature difference of about 600 degrees F.  The output of the engine is targeted at 1.5 KW at maximum pressure and temperature.  Outputs of 400 W can be obtained using lower temperatures without any pressurization of the engine.

The engine works in conjunction with our Combo Fire Box (propane and wood).  The hot end of the engine is placed in the hot Fire Box causing it to run (it must be warmed up and hand started).   The engine can be utilized with any heat source.  You do not have to use our Fire Box.  You can install the engine into a wood stove or a fireplace.  There is no exhaust from the engine itself.   The engine is 8' long, about 24" in diameter and weighs aprox 200 lbs.

The engine is designed to last for many years with very little maintenance.  There are no spark plugs, air filters, oil, or batteries.  

Join the future of energy production and purchase your Melvin Engine today.

With our engine, generate electricity, using wood, gas, solar to run the Melvin Engine.  Some assembly is required, open end wrench, screwdriver and allen key wrench are needed for assembly.  Estimated time of assembly is 1-2 hrs.

 Delivery currently estimated at 30-60 days from order( - shipping charges are additional (estimated $350 - International shipping estimated at $700). 

*** Note:  Water Jacket is included with Base Engine -  The Generator head is included with the base Melvin engine - The base engine does not include the Fire Box (with both wood and propane interfaces), which can be purchased separately or with the Melvin Engine Package.

Specifications:

Size:  

108 inches Long x 24 inches Wide  x 33 inches High (Engine Hot End = 30" long    x 14 wide)

Weight:  

200 lbs (flywheel makes up 50lbs of that)- Dry weight

Operating Temperature:  

Hot End - Min 600F, Max 900 F  Cold End -Max 160 F

Engine Speed (at 600 F temperature difference): 220 RPM (un-pressurized ),

(+8 RPM for each +5PSI (gage pressure))

Engine Power Output :  

Un-pressurized 479W (Gross Output - net is less ~350W unpressurized)

Pressurized (estimated max of 1.5KW at 15PSI) 

Output @ 12V or 24V (engine ships with gearing for 12V unless 24V requested)