Jan Ridders
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jan Ridders (Roosendaal, August 14, 1941 - January 28, 2026) was a Dutch machinist, engineer and machine designer.[1]
Ridders' designs, freely distributed,[2] along with assistance to engineers building these motors, has brought him world reputation.[3] He has designed and created motors which had previously been conceived only theoretically, such as a low temperature difference Stirling engine which works on heat at the tip of the hand.[4] These motors, besides spurring engineer's imagination[5] have also been followed up by some companies selling products based on these Ridder's design.[6]
He was the maker of small Stirling Engines, "flame eater", steam engines and other types of small practical heat engines. Ridders gave free plans for building his motors and offered advice with his experience in various places on the web.
After years of stagnation, once shown working models and the simplicity of the design, companies began to invest in developing concentrated light thermal solar energy solutions.[7]