Stovetop Steam Engine

A small consumer power plant that requires only a heat source capable of boiling water. The system should be self-contained and in two to four parts.

A boiler that sits on a heat source (stove, hibachi, grill, whatever) and steam engine are basic. A battery to store excess power and an overflow water tank might be necessary, too.

The boiler and engine are connected with appropriately shielded hoses, say five to ten feet in length. The steam engine generates, well, as much electricity as it can.

Since this is a consumer device, it should be as low maintenance and foolproof as possible. A thermochomatic indicator on the boiler would let people know it was hot, hot enough to generate steam and perhaps blow a whistle to indicate it's too hot. All moving parts should be enclosed. The water should be recycled to the greatest extent possible.