Двигатель внешнего сгорания на основе двигателя Стирлинга гамма-типа, система привода и способ регулирования мощности двигателя

HEISSGASKOLBENMASCHINE MIT MEHREREN ARBEITSRAEUMEN

Heissgasmotor

HEISSGASKOLBENMASCHINE MIT EINER VORRICHTUNG ZUM REGELN DER GEWICHTSMENGE EINES IM ARBEITSRAUM VORHANDENEN ARBEITSMEDIUMS

VORRICHTUNG ZUR REGELUNG DER LEISTUNG EINER HEISSGASKOLBENMASCHINE

A thermodynamic machine

IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER CONTROL MEANS FOR STIRLING CYCLE ENGINES

... 1277384 Stirling cycle engines KOMMANDITBOLAGET UNITED STIRLING (SWEDEN) AB & CO 13 April1971 9197/71 Heading F1S In a power control means for a Stirling cycle engine having one or more cylinders 1 with at least one working chamber 5 connected to a chamber 13 having a variable volume, a movable control piston 11 is mounted in a central cylinder 9 dividing the control cylinder into two control chambers, the first one of which 12 contains a control piston rod 14 secured to the central piston and extending through an end wall of the control cylinder. The first control chamber is connected to an engine buffer space 6 and the other one of the control chambers 13 is connected to the working chamber 5, the control piston rod being connected to a control lever 28 adapted to actuate a retaining device for axially retaining or releasing the control piston, The retaining device may comprise a hydraulic pump for actuating a hydraulic cylinder-piston unit coupled to the control piston rod.

HOT DOGS ENGINE POWER AND SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM

THERMAL SYSTEM STIRLINGMASCHINE

Stirling engine

HOT GAS PISTON ENGINE

HOT GAS MACHINE

STIRLINGMASCHINE

The engine has a supply chamber (17) including a lockable inlet (13) for working gas and an outlet (9) that guides a process chamber (16a). The working gas is received over the inlet and controlled by a piston pump. The piston pump is actuated by an operating piston (7) that extends through a cylindrical base (12) to the supply chamber, where the supply chamber is formed as a pump chamber. The inlet and the outlet are provided with locking units (19) at the cylindrical base and operating piston, where the locking units operate according to check valves.

WÄRMEKRAFTMASCHINE

The thermal engine has a cylinder and a working cylinder (6), which is mounted in a working piston (7) in movable manner. A connection is provided between the cylinder and the working cylinder. The engine has a valve (4) in an open condition that permits a transfer of a working medium of the cylinder into the additional cylinder and permits the working medium in the reverse direction of the additional cylinder into the cylinder.

Transfer - expansion - regeneration combustion engine

The transfer - expansion - regeneration combustion engine (1) comprises a compressor (2) which delivers gases into a high-pressure regeneration pipe (6) of a regeneration heat exchanger (5) from which pipe the gases emerge preheated via a regenerator high-pressure outlet pipe (9) which comprises a heat source (12) which superheats said gases, the latter then being transferred by an intake metering valve (24) operated by a metering valve actuator (25) to a transfer - expansion chamber (16) notably formed by an expansion cylinder (13) and an expansion piston (15), said gases re-emerging from said chamber (16) having been expanded via an expanded-gases exhaust pipe (26) and via an exhaust valve (31) operated by an exhaust-valve actuator (32) before being cooled in a regeneration low-pressure pipe (7) that the regeneration heat exchanger (5) comprises.

ROTARY ENGINE AND PROCESS

The invention is a rotary engine comprised of at least one and usually a plurality of independent partial engines. Two different processes can be carried out in each independent partial engine both of which are used to operate the engines. The processes of the invention are basically two different and separate closed cycle processes that can both operate within the same geometric confinement, i.e. the same expansion chamber or expansion chambers, at the same time. The primary process performs the main function of converting heat to kinetic energy and is necessary in all engines of the invention. It is a unique process that uses the expansion of gases and also the contraction of the condensing gases after their expansion. The secondary process is needed for start-up and to provide additional power in case the engine might go into a stall. In most engines of the invention both processes are needed to operate the engine.

Verfahren zur Inbetriebsetzung eines Heissgasmotors.

Heissgasmotor.

Nach einem thermodynamischen Kreisprozess arbeitende Kolbengasmaschine mit einer Vorrichtung zum Ändern der Arbeitsmittelmenge in dieser Maschine.

Kolbengasmaschine.

Support pour gâteaux de fibres textiles, notamment de soie artificielle.

Kolbengasmaschine mit einer Vorrichtung zum Ändern der Menge des Arbeitsmittels.

Verfahren zur Regelung der Leistung eines Heissgasmotors und Einrichtung zur Durchführung dieses Verfahrens.

Verfahren zur Regelung der Leistung eines Heissgasmotors.

Antriebsvorrichtung mit Heissgasmotor.

Thermodynamische Kolbenmaschine mit einer Vorrichtung zur Änderung der am Kreislauf teilnehmenden Arbeitsmittelmenge.

Gas-Kolbenmaschine mit Mitteln zur Regelung des Gewichtes des im Arbeitsraum der Maschine wirksamen Mittels

Kolbengasmaschine mit einer Vorrichtung zum Versorgen mindestens eines Arbeitsraumes der Maschine mit Arbeitsmittel.

Kolbengasmaschine mit einer Vorrichtung zur Zuführung bzw. Abführung von Arbeitsmittel zu bzw. von mindestens einem Arbeitsraum der Maschine.

Heissgaskolbenmaschine

Vorrichtung zum Unwandeln von Wärmeenergie in mechanische Energie

Absperrvorrichtung mit einem kugelförmigen Absperrkörper

Heissgasmotor

Gaskolbenmaschine

Heissgas-Kolbenmotor

Regelventil und Verwendung desselben in einem Heissgasmotor

Heissgasmotor

Regeleinrichtung an einer Gaskolbenmaschine

Double-acting free-piston Stirling cycle machine with linear generator.

Es solle eine Freikolben-Stirling-Kreislaufmaschine, umfassend ein hermetisch geschlossenes Druckgehäuse (3) mit einem Arbeitsabschnitt (I) und mindestens einen an den Arbeitsabschnitt (I) angrenzenden Verdrängerabschnitt (II), geschaffen werden, wobei im Innenraum des Arbeitsabschnittes (I) mindestens ein Arbeitskolben (11´) bewegbar, einen Teil eines Lineargenerators (1) bildend, angeordnet ist und im mindestens einen Verdrängerabschnitt (II) ein als Regenerator (2) wirkender Verdrängerkolben angeordnet ist, sodass bei Füllung des Druckgehäuses (3) mit einem Arbeitsgas (11) und bei Einwirkung eines Temperaturunterschiedes zwischen dem Verdrängerabschnitt (II) bei erhöhter Temperatur (T2) und dem Rest des Druckgehäuses (3) bei niedriger Temperatur (T1, T1 < T2) mechanische Arbeit durch den Arbeitskolben (11´) verrichtbar und vom Lineargenerator (1) in elektrische Energie umwandelbar ist. Weiter ist ein zweiter Verdrängerabschnitt (II´) mit als Regenerator (2) wirksamen Verdrängerkolben ...

Double acting free piston Stirling cycle machine with linear alternator.

Es solle eine Freikolben-Stirling-Kreislaufmaschine, umfassend ein hermetisch geschlossenes Druckgehäuse (3) mit einem Arbeitsabschnitt (I) und mindestens einen an den Arbeitsabschnitt (I) angrenzenden Verdrängerabschnitt (II) geschaffen werden, wobei im Innenraum des Arbeitsabschnittes (I) mindestens ein Arbeitskolben (11´) bewegbar, einen Teil eines Lineargenerators (1) bildend, angeordnet ist und im mindestens einen Verdrängerabschnitt (II) ein als Regenerator (2) wirkender Verdrängerkolben angeordnet ist, sodass bei Füllung des Druckgehäuses (3) mit einem Arbeitsgas (11) und bei Einwirkung eines Temperaturunterschiedes zwischen dem Verdrängerabschnitt (II) bei erhöhter Temperatur (T2) und dem Rest des Druckgehäuses (3) bei niedriger Temperatur (T1, T1 < T2) mechanische Arbeit durch den Arbeitskolben (11´) verrichtbar und vom Lineargenerator (1) in elektrische Energie umwandelbar ist. Weiter ist ein zweiter Verdrängerabschnitt (II´) mit als Regenerator (2) wirksamen Verdrängerkolben ...

MACHINE HAS PISTON HAS HOT GAS PROVIDED With AT LEAST TWO ACTIVE ENCLOSURES COMPRISING an ADJUSTING DEVICE BEING USED FOR the SUPPLY OF the ACTIVE FLUID TO the KNOWN AS ENCLOSURES

THERMODYNAMIC RECIPROCATING MACHINE COMPRISING A COMPRESSOR

Piston machine with hot gas

MACHINE HAS PISTON HAS HOT GAS

IMPROVEMENTS IN DEVICES FOR VARYING THE POWER OUTPUT OF STIRLING CYCLE ENGINES

MACHINE A PISTON A GAZ CHAUD

Apparatus for regulating the indicated power of hot gas motors

VARYING THE POWER OUTPUT OF STIRLING CYCLE ENGINES

SEMI-ISOTHERMAL COMPRESSION ENGINES WITH SEPARATE COMBUSTORS AND EXPANDERS, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Engine systems and associated methods, including systems with semi-isothermal compression devices are disclosed. An engine system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a compressor having a compressor inlet and outlet, a combustor having a combustor inlet coupled to the compressor outlet and further having a combustor outlet, a positive displacement expander having an expander inlet coupled to the combustor outlet, and further having an expander outlet and a work output device. A valve is coupled between the combustor and the expander to regulate a flow of hot combustion products passing from the combustor to the expander, and an exhaust energy recovery device is coupled to the expander outlet to extract energy from the combustion products exiting the expander. 1. An engine system , comprising:a compressor having a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet;a combustor having a combustor inlet coupled to the compressor outlet, the combustor further having a combustor outlet;a positive displacement expander having an expander inlet coupled to the combustor outlet, the expander further having an expander outlet, and a work output device;a valve coupled between the combustor and the expander to regulate a flow of hot combustion products passing from the combustor to the expander; andan exhaust energy recovery device coupled to the expander outlet to extract energy from the combustion products exiting the expander.2. The system of wherein the exhaust energy recovery device includes a heat exchanger having a first flowpath and a second flowpath in thermal communication with the first flowpath claim 1 , the first flowpath being coupled between the compressor and the combustor claim 1 , the second flowpath being coupled to the expander outlet.3. The system of wherein the valve includes a rotary valve.4. The system of wherein the rotary valve includes:a cylinder having a wall positioned radially outwardly around an annular passage, the cylinder being rotatable ...

Improvements in external combustion engines

ДВИГАТЕЛЬ СТИРЛИНГА С РЕГУЛИРУЕМОЙ ВЫХОДНОЙ МОЩНОСТЬЮ

Двигатель Стирлинга с регулируемой выходной мощностью, включающий, по крайней мере, один цилиндр, содержащий рабочий газ, вытеснительный и рабочий поршни, размещенные в цилиндре, разделяющие его объем на горячую и холодную полости, при этом рабочий поршень кинематически связан с исполнительным механизмом через шток рабочего поршня; охладитель, регенератор и нагреватель, установленные последовательно вне цилиндра, а также систему регулирования мощности, содержащую управляющее устройство, баллон с фоновым рабочим газом, отличающийся тем, что двигатель дополнительно содержит второй баллон с рабочим газом, отличным от фонового газа, блок подготовки смеси рабочего газа, подключенный к управляющему устройству и включающий в себя смесительную камеру, компрессор, датчики давления и температуры, электромагнитный клапан сброса газа и подключенный по трубопроводу через электромагнитный питательный клапан, обратный клапан к цилиндру двигателя, дополнительно оснащенному клапаном сброса избытка газа; ...

HEISSGASKOLBENMASCHINE

Improvements in or relating to hot-gas engines

... 697,157. Hot gas engines. NAAMLOOZE VENNOOTSCHAP PHILIPS' GLOEILAMPENFABRIEKEN. Dec. 9, 1946 [Aug. 25, 1943], No. 13828/52. Divided out of 697,082. Class 7 (i) In a closed cycle hot gas engine the power output of which is controlled by varying the weight of the working medium contained in the working space by bring- ing a reservoir containing working medium at variable pressure into momentary communication with the working space of the cylinder means are provided in association with the reservoir for varying the temperature of the medium in the reservoir whereby the pressure in the reservoir is correspondingly varied. As shown a crankcase 36 comprises a reservoir for working medium and in the lowest position of the engine piston 32 the working space communicates with the crankcase through a passage 44. The temperature and pressure in the crankcase are varied by either supplying combustion gases from a burner 95 through a coil 99 or by supplying cooling medium from the engine cooler 96 through ...

HOT-GAS RECIPROCATING APPARATUS

... 1472651 Hot gas engines PHILIPS GLOEILAMPENFABRIEKEN NV 10 May 1974 [15 May 1973] 20776/74 Heading F1S [Also in Division F4] Between the co-operating walls of the piston 5, 6, 7 or 8 and cylinder 1, 2, 3 or 4 of a hot gas engine two axially spaced annular sealing elements are provided which are accommodated in circumferential grooves formed in one of the walls and which found an annular intermediate space which separates the working space from a further space and a duct 66, 67, 68 or 69 is provided in a piston rod for placing the working space in communication with a storage container 60 for working medium. The duct extends into the piston and opens into the intermediate space, the sealing element, piston ring 48, 49, 50 or 51, which separates the intermediate space from the working space together with the associated circumferential groove being constructed as a non-return valve which permits flow of working medium in one direction only between the intermediate space and the working space ...

HOT GAS ENGINE POWER CONTROL SYSTEM

... 1478209 Hot gas engines UNITED STIRLING (SWEDEN) AB & CO KB 12 Aug 1975 33470/75 Heading F1S In a hot gas engine power control system of the kind comprising a compressor 7, 8 including a compressor piston 5, 6 connected to a working piston 3, 4 of the engine, a variable volume space 26, 27 in the compressor, connected to a working chamber 13, 14 in the engine via a connection allowing flow of gas only in the direction from the working chamber into the variable volume space, a high-pressure gas reservoir 21 connected to the variable volume space via a connection 40, 41 allowing flow of gas only in the direction into the reservoir and a controllable connection 19, 20 between the reservoir and the working chamber, the connection between the working chamber and the variable volume space of the compressor includes a constant volume chamber 52, 53 of a size at least equal to the maximum size of the variable volume space and a non-return valve 54, 55, 56, 57 provided at the inlet to as well as ...

Hot gas piston engine

WÄRMEKRAFTMASCHINE

HEISSGASKOLBENMASCHINE

HEISSGASMASCHINE

HOT GAS MACHINE

Thermal engine with energy modulation mechanism

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for extracting thermal energy from thermal expansion of a working medium in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a thermal expander, a compressor for compressing the working medium after the expansion, and a force modulation unit connecting the thermal expander to the compressor. The force modulation unit consists of two conversion gears that are connected by a lever system. The lever system can be dynamically controlled so that the non-constant force from thermal expansion is modulated into a substantially constant output force of the apparatus.

DEVICE FOR CONVERTING CALORIFIC ENERGY INTO MECHANICAL ENERGY

HOT-GAS RECIPROCATING MACHINE COMPRISING TWO OR MORE WORKING SPACES, PROVIDED WITH A CONTROL CE FOR THE SUPPLY OF WORKING MEDIUM TO THE SAID WORKING SPACES

A hot-gas reciprocating machine involving a plurality of cycles having a mutually different phase, during each crank shaft revolution working medium from a source of pressurized working medium being successively supplied to each cycle separately, via a control device, comprising one or more slides which are controlled exclusively by the variable cycle pressures.

HOT-GAS RECIPROCATING MACHINE

FREE-PISTON REGENERATIVE HOT GAS HYDRAULIC ENGINE

AUXILIARY POWER UNIT

An auxiliary power system for providing electrical power and heat to an indoor area includes an external combustion engine, such as a Stirling cycle engine, for generating mechanical energy and thermal energy. the external combustion engine burns a fuel with substantially complete combustion such that exhaust emissions from the external combustion engine are below a predetermined exhaust level. A generator is coupled to the external combustion engine and converts the mechanical energy produced by the external combustion engine to electrical power. A first power output is used to provide the electrical power produced by the generator. The external combustion engine and generator are disposed within a housing such that the external combustion engine, generator and housing combination is a portable size. the thermal energy generated by the external combustion engine may be used to heat the atmosphere surrounding the housing.

Regulating device

ALTERNATE MACHINE HAS HOT GAS PROVIDED With a DEVICE BEING USED TO REGULATE the PONDERAL QUANTITY Of AGENT OF PRESENT WORK IN a WORKSPACE

Piston machine with hot gas

Process of ordering of the operation of engines with hot air

Arrangement for treating or improving rayon and the like textile fibres in cake form

Process of starting of gas engines hot

VALVE CONTROL MEANS FOR CHANGING WORKING SPACE VOLUME IN STIRLING CYCLE ENGINE

Recovery of Energy in Residue Gases

A system for recovery of energy in residue gases, comprising at least two energy conversion units (), including a combustion chamber () having a fuel inlet (), and a Sterling engine () having a heat exchanger () with a set of tubes containing working fluid, a portion of the heat exchanger extending into the combustion chamber (). The system further comprises a pressure control system including a high-pressure reservoir () of working fluid, a low-pressure reservoir () of working fluid, a pressure pump () configured to maintain a pressure difference between the reservoirs, and a control arrangement () to regulate a pressure in the fluid circuit.

Refractory insulation of hot end in stirling type thermal machines

A high temperature resistant liner of refractory material is used to line the displacer chamber so as to permit engine operation at temperature beyond those possible with metallic chamber walls. A compression sleeve or ring of high tensile strength material circumferentially encompasses the liner and preloads the liner against the forces of the highly pressurized working fluid in the displacer chamber.

VALVE CONTROL MEANS FOR CHANGING WORKING SPACE VOLUME IN STIRLING CYCLE ENGINE

In a Stirling cycle engine of the type having a plurality of dead volume chambers selectively coupled to the engine working space to change the effective volume thereof, valve control means for the dead volume chambers is provided comprising a non-return valve and a selectively opening valve both communicating between the dead volume chamber and the working space. The selectively opening valves are of a piston type working in a cylinder controlled by means of working pressures derived from minimum or maximum pressures in the working space.

A thermodynamic machine

A Stirling cycle machine comprises an expansion chamber 5, a compression chamber 6, a regenerator 12 and first and second heat exchangers 13, 14 disposed respectively between the expansion and compression chambers 5, 6 and the regenerator 12. A first bypass conduit 15 connects the expansion chamber with the regenerator, bypassing the first heat exchanger, and a second bypass conduit 16 connects the compression chamber with the regenerator, bypassing the second heat exchanger. At least a pair valves 18, 20, 22, 24 controls flow through the heat exchangers 13, 14 and / or bypass conduits, so that the working fluid only passes through the heat exchanger when thermodynamically beneficial. A heat storage device 60 for powering the machine and a power generation system 70, 80 utilising the machine are also disclosed.

Improvements in or relating to hot-gas reciprocating engines and refrigerating engines and heat pumps operating on the reversed hot-gas reciprocating engine cycle

... 730,098. Hot gas engines. NAAMLOOZE VENNOOTSCHAP PHILIPS' GLOEILAMPENFABRIEKEN. May 9, 1952 [May 12, 1951], No. 11777/52. Class 7(1). [Also in Group XIII] The invention relates to supplying working medium to and withdrawing it from the working space or spaces. In Fig. 1 a working space is indicated diagrammatically by the reference 1. When a piston valve 11 is operated working medium can flow from a reservoir 3 to the working space 1 during the part of the engine cycle in which the pressure is lower than that in the reservoir. Similarly a valve 12 controls the discharge of the working medium. The valves 11, 12 may be controlled by an engine regulator. A compressor 19 may be used to increase the pressure level in the reservoir. A connection 22 to atmosphere may be provided. In Fig. 3 a pipe 43 leads to an engine working space not shown. When a cap 60 is operated to increase the pressure of a spring 61 a valve 48 is opened and working medium is supplied to the pipe 43 from a reservoir 56.

HOT-GAS RECIPROCATING ENGINE

... 1,203,652. Hot gas engines. PHILIPS' GLOEILAMPENFABRIEKEN N. V. Aug. 16, 1967 [Aug. 19, 1966] No.37623/67. Heading F1S. A hot gas engine 1, the output power of which is varied by varying the average pressure in the working space 9, 10 of the engine, comprises means 28 for supplying combustion air to the combustion chamber of the engine and a device for controlling the operation of this means so that the air is supplied at a rate proportional to the speed of the engine and the average pressure in the working space. As shown, the speed of the blower 28 depends on the speed of the crank shaft 6. The pressure in the cylinder 23 governs the position of the pulley part 19 and thereby the transmission ratio of the drive to the blower. Alternatively the blower may be driven by a variable speed electric motor.

HOT GAS ENGINES

... 1317352 Hot gas engines UNITED STERLING (SWEDEN) AB & CO KB 9 Nov 1971 51865/71 Heading F1S One, 5 of the working chambers of a hot gas engine 1 is connected to a control chamber 9 through controllable passage means which comprises two or more parallel connections 10, 11 each of which is controllable. The application of the invention to a double acting engine is described. A further control chamber (not shown) may be associated with the first mentioned control chamber.

Arrangement for treating or improving rayon and the like textile fibres in cake form

... An arrangement for treating textile fibres, particularly rayon fibres, in cake form comprises a tubular perforated transversely-yielding sleeve 1 having overlapping edges 2, and provided with a lower projecting flange 6 to support the cake 5. The sleeves are adapted as by the provision of inner stops 7, 8, 9 to be placed one above another to form a column. The lower flange 6 is preferably conical and the sleeve body may or may not be conical to conform to the shape of the inner wall of the cakes. The pressure on each cake is substantially constant irrespective of its position in the column.

HOT GAS PISTON ENGINE

STIRLING CYCLE DEVICE.

Hot gas piston engine

Rotary engine and process

The invention is a rotary engine comprised of at least one and usually a plurality of independent partial engines. Two different processes can be carried out in each independent partial engine both of which are used to operate the engines. The processes of the invention are basically two different and separate closed cycle processes that can both operate within the same geometric confinement, i.e. the same expansion chamber or expansion chambers, at the same time. The primary process performs the main function of converting heat to kinetic energy and is necessary in all engines of the invention. It is a unique process that uses the expansion of gases and also the contraction of the condensing gases after their expansion. The secondary process is needed for start-up and to provide additional power in case the engine might go into a stall. In most engines of the invention both processes are needed to operate the engine.

Heat cycle machine

The invention relates to a heat cycle machine which operates according to the Stirling cycle and can be used as a multi-valent stand-alone power supply for households (electricity and heat), that is to say using various energy sources (sunlight, combustion of present materials). The heat cycle machine comprises at least one hot oil connection (4, 5) that can be connected to any desired heat source, at least one cold water connection (6, 7) and two chambers (2) that contain a working gas. The chambers (2) are connected to one another via at least one working gas line (18, 20) in which is integrated a working rotor (13) that can be driven by the working gas which is alternately heated in one of the chambers (2) and cooled in the other chamber (2).

POWER CONTROL DEVICE

HOT-GAS RECIPROCATING APPARATUS COMPRISING A DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE AMOUNT BY WEIGHT ORKING FLUID IN THE OR EACH WORKING SPACE

HOT-GAS RECIPROCATING MACHINE COMPRISING TWO OR MORE WORKING SPACES, PROVIDED WITH A CONTROL CE FOR THE SUPPLY OF WORKING MEDIUM TO THE SAID WORKING SPACES

STIRLING ENGINE THERMAL SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

A thermal cycle engine (96) having a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy across the heater head (100) from a heated external fluid to the working fluid. The heat exchanger has a set of heat transfer pins (124) each having an axis directed away from the cylindrical wall of the expansion cylinder (115), or, alternatively, a set of fins substantially aligned with the axis of the expansion cylinder. The height and density of the heat transfer pins (124) may vary with distance in the direction of the flow path, and the pin structure may be fabricated by stacking perforated rings in contact with a heater head. A ring burner supplements the main combustor for supplying additional fuel to cause additional combustion of the exhaust gas. A regenerator (134) for the thermal cycle engine (96) has a random network of fibers formed to fill a specified volume and a material for cross-linking the fibers at points of close contact between fibers of the network.

THERMAL DIFFERENTIAL MACHINE WITH EIGHT CHANGES OF THERMODYNAMIC CYCLE AND PROCESS CONTROL

The present invention refers to the technical field of thermodynamic engines, and more specifically to a heat engine that operates with gas in closed loop in differential configuration which is characterized by performing a thermodynamic cycle eight transformations or otherwise explain, it performs two thermodynamic cycles simultaneously, each with four interdependent, additional transformations, two of these transformations "isothermal" and two "adiabatic" in mass transfer in phases of adiabatic processing to provide a new performance curve no longer dependent solely on temperature but the mass transfer rate which allows the construction of machines with high yields and low thermal differentials.

ENERGY TRANSFER MACHINES

A novel engine for producing power from a temperature differential with additional benefits of low cost, high efficiency, quiet operation minimal wear of components, and the ability to produce power or cooling from low grade heat sources.

Annular Axial Flow Ribbed Heat Exchanger

A cylindrical, annular axial flow heat exchanger for use as a gas cooler in a thermal regenerative machine such as a Stirling engine is provided. The heat exchanger includes an outer shell of sufficient strength and thickness to withstand the pressure exerted by the working fluid and a tubular member positioned adjacent to and in contact with the outer shell, the tubular member having spaced apart sidewalls defining a flow passage therebetween. At least one of the sidewalls of the tubular member is embossed with ribs, the ribs being in contact with the inner surface of the outer shell thereby defining axially extending flow passages between the outer shell and tubular member along the circumference thereof for the flow of a second, gaseous fluid through the heat exchanger. The first fluid flows circumferentially through tubular member, while the second fluid flows axially between the outer shell and the tubular member.

Thermodynamic machine with stirling cycle

A thermodynamic machine is made up of at least one assembly of two elementary Stirling cycle machines symmetrically formed in one or more cylindrical bodies with the same axis, each elementary machine including first and second compression/expansion chambers, a regenerator separating the first and second chambers and first and second outer walls intended for sealing the volume of the first and second chambers respectively, the regenerator and the first and second outer walls of one elementary machine being rigidly connected to the same elements of the other elementary machines.

Heat exchanger for stirling engine

A heat exchanger for a stirling engine 10 A of a twin-cylinder α type includes a heat transfer tube group 70 A formed with heat transfer tubes 71 A causing a working fluid of the stirling engine 10 A to flow between a high-temperature cylinder 20 and a low-temperature cylinder 30 arranged linearly and parallel to each other in the stirling engine. The heat transfer tube group 70 A includes a rising section G 1 extending upward, a falling section G 2 extending downward, and a connecting section G 3 connecting the rising section G 1 and the falling section G 2 in a turn-back manner, where the heat transfer tube group 70 A is regarded as extending from one end or the other end thereof.

Stirling engine gas lubrication structure

In a case of performing a static pressure gas lubrication by a stirling engine provided with a pair of cylinders of a high-temperature-side cylinder 20 and a low-temperature-side cylinder 30 , a stirling engine gas lubrication structure is provided with an introduction pipe 70 A for introducing a working fluid existing within a low-temperature working space into at least an inside of an expansion piston 21 of the expansion piston 21 and a compression piston 31 , the low-temperature working space being included in a working space where the working fluid circulates between the cylinders 20 and 30 , a temperature of the working fluid in the low-temperature working space lower than that of the working fluid in a working space of a high-temperature side cylinder 22 in a driving state.

HEAT EXCHANGING CYLINDER HEAD

This engine () (of the piston engine or rotary Wankel-type engine type) includes a heat-exchanging cylinder head () which transfers to the fluid internal to the engine the heat energy collected from an external hot source (liquid, gaseous or by radiation). In a closed or open cycle it uses a gaseous fluid (air) or a refrigerant such as an engine fluid in particular when the temperature of the hot source is low. The volumetric compression ratio of the engine is optimized according to the temperature level of the hot source in order on the one hand to allow the internal heat exchanging cylinder head () and () to be positioned in the dead volume freed inside the chamber (piston top dead center) of the engine () and on the other hand to extract significant mechanical work. It is a matter of increasing technological feasibility at the expense of an acceptable loss in efficiency given that the contribution from the hot source is free of charge. It avoids the adding of a bulky external heat exchanger and the associated problems of the thermal and mechanical stresses thereof and also makes it possible to reduce the flow rate of the engine fluid (for example air) transferred to a strict minimum. By comparison with competing systems, this invention does not require the engine fluid to be transferred to the hot source and vice-versa and there are therefore no additional valves and the engine air flow rate is minimum. It is a relatively inexpensive invention particularly suited to the field of the recovery of free or wasted heat (exchange with a hot external fluid—exhaust gas or radiation) where other technological solutions with a higher overall efficiency are either technologically unfeasible or require too great an investment thereby jeopardizing their economic model 1119356432121199112172481213714. Thermal engine operating according to a open or closed cycle such as Stirling , Ericsson or conventional , 2 or 4 strokes , using a gaseous working fluid , air or refrigerant or ...

POWER RECOVERY SYSTEM

The power recovery system includes: a Stirling engine; and a vaporization device that stores a liquid therein in such a manner that the liquid is kept in contact with an upper portion of a cylinder and vaporizes the liquid by supplying the cold heat of the liquid to the upper portion of the cylinder. The vaporization device includes a liquid container which stores the liquid therein in such a manner that the liquid is kept in contact with the upper portion of the cylinder, and an outer container embracing the liquid container and defining a space portion around the liquid container. The space portion communicates with the liquid container and an exhaust vent. Gas vaporized in the liquid container passes between the liquid container and an outer wall surface of a heat insulating material during passage thereof from the liquid container to the exhaust vent through the space portion. 1. A power recovery system comprising:a Stirling engine having a hot heat exchanging portion and a cold heat exchanging portion and generating power by supply of hot heat to the hot heat exchanging portion and supply of cold heat to the cold heat exchanging portion; anda vaporization device including a liquid storage portion which stores therein a liquid having cold heat in such a manner that the liquid is kept in contact with the cold heat exchanging portion, an outer member which embraces the liquid storage portion and defines a peripheral space portion around the liquid storage portion, and an exhaust portion which is located at a position away from the liquid storage portion and exhausts gas vaporized in the liquid storage portion from the outer member, the vaporization device being configured to vaporize the liquid by supplying the cold heat of the liquid to the cold heat exchanging portion,wherein the peripheral space portion communicates with the liquid storage portion and the exhaust portion to allow the gas vaporized in the liquid storage portion to pass between the liquid storage ...

COMPRESSED AIR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM UTILIZING TWO-PHASE FLOW TO FACILITATE HEAT EXCHANGE

A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. 1. An apparatus comprising:a chamber in selective fluid communication with a low pressure side through a valve;a moveable member received in the chamber with a mechanical linkage to cause the moveable member to compress gas from the low pressure side;an element configured to effect gas-liquid heat exchange with gas from the low pressure side being compressed within the chamber; anda control system configured to electronically control a state of the valve.2. An apparatus as in wherein the mechanical linkage is configured to convert shaft torque into reciprocating motion.3. An apparatus as in wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a piston rod and a crankshaft.4. An apparatus as in wherein the mechanical linkage further comprises a cross-head.5. An apparatus as in wherein the moveable member is configured to rotate within the chamber.6. An apparatus as in wherein moveable member comprises a screw claim 5 , a rotor claim 5 , a lobe claim 5 , or a vane.7. An apparatus as in wherein moveable member ...

Combined chamber wall and heat exchanger

An apparatus having a wall configured to serve as at least part of a chamber for containing a charge fluid is provided. The wall includes a heat exchanger portion integrally formed with the wall. The heat exchanger portion includes an array of conduits passing therethrough and providing fluid communication with outside of the heat exchange portion. The heat exchange portion is configured to contribute strength to the wall to provide containment of the charge fluid.

STIRLING CYCLE TRANSDUCER APPARATUS

A communication passage in a Stirling cycle transducer includes a cylindrical shaped thermal regenerator providing flow paths aligned with a regenerator cylindrical axis for providing periodic gas flow between first and second interfaces of the regenerator. A first heat exchanger conveys gas between a periphery of the heat exchanger and the first interface causing a change of direction of gas flow between radially and axially oriented flow within the regenerator and transfers heat between the gas and an external environment in a direction aligned with the regenerator cylindrical axis. A second heat exchanger conveys gas between a periphery of the heat exchanger and the second interface causing a change of direction of gas flow between radially and axially oriented flow within the regenerator and transfers heat between the external environment and the gas in a direction aligned with the regenerator cylindrical axis. 164.-. (canceled)65. A communication passage for use in a Stirling cycle transducer , the communication passage comprising:a thermal regenerator having a generally cylindrical shape and having first and second interfaces for receiving a periodic gas flow, the regenerator providing a plurality of flow paths operable to permit gas flow between the first and second interfaces in a direction generally aligned with a cylindrical axis of the regenerator, the regenerator being configured to alternatively receive thermal energy from gas flowing in a first axially oriented flow direction along the flow paths and to deliver thermal energy to gas flowing in a second opposing axially oriented flow direction along the flow paths;a first heat exchanger disposed in communication with the first interface and being configured to convey gas flow between a periphery of the first heat exchanger and the first interface in a generally radially oriented flow direction with respect to the cylindrical axis and to permit the gas flow to undergo a change of direction between the ...

ISOTHERMAL MACHINES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A compressor or expander has a variable-volume chamber with a heat exchanger located inside the chamber. The heat exchanger can have a helical structure and may be connected between walls of the chamber that move relative to one another during compression or expansion. The heat exchanger comprises a passage containing a heat exchange fluid. The heat exchange fluid may add heat to or remove heat from a gas being expanded or compressed. Embodiments may provide isothermal or near isothermal compression or expansion. 113.-. (canceled)14. Apparatus for compressing or expanding a gas , the apparatus comprising:a variable-volume chamber comprising first and second walls movable relative to one another to vary a volume of the chamber;a heat exchanger within the variable-volume chamber, the heat exchanger connected to at least one of the first and second walls and extending toward the other one of the first and second walls, the heat exchanger comprising an internal passage carrying a heat exchange fluid,wherein the heat exchanger has a length that is resiliently changeable to accommodate relative motion of the first and second walls.15. Apparatus according to wherein the heat exchanger comprises a helical member comprising a plurality of turns wherein the first and second walls are movable apart from one another between a first configuration corresponding to a smaller volume of the variable-volume chamber and a second configuration corresponding to a larger volume of the variable-volume chamber and adjacent turns of the helical member are more closely spaced when the first and second walls are in the first configuration than they are when the first and second walls are in the second configuration.16. Apparatus according to wherein the heat exchanger is compressed between the first and second walls.17. Apparatus according to wherein the heat exchanger is attached to both of the first and second walls.18. Apparatus according to wherein the heat exchanger is expanded between ...

High Efficiency Combustor and Closed-Cycle Heat Engine Interface

A powering system includes an engine having a first side and an interface for providing heat to the first side of the engine. The interface includes a combustor having a combustion chamber positioned at least partially in an enclosure that receives a fuel and an oxidizer for combustion of the fuel and oxidizer into a combustion product. A conduit is connected to the combustion chamber for receiving the combustion product. A heat transfer fluid is positioned in the enclosure and engages an external surface of the combustion chamber and an external surface of the conduit within the enclosure. The heat transfer fluid is heated by the combustion product via the external surface of the combustion chamber and the external surface of the conduit such that the heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the first side of the engine. The heat transfer fluid may thereby decouples the engine from the combustor. 1. A powering system comprising:an engine having a first side; an enclosure;', 'a combustor having a combustion chamber positioned at least partially in the enclosure, the combustion chamber receiving a fuel and an oxidizer for combustion of the fuel and oxidizer into a combustion product;', 'a conduit connected to the combustion chamber for receiving the combustion product; the conduit being positioned at least partially in the enclosure;', 'a heat transfer fluid positioned in the enclosure, the heat transfer fluid adjacent an external surface of at least one wall of the combustion chamber and an external surface of the conduit within the enclosure, the heat transfer fluid being heated by the combustion product via the external surface of the combustion chamber and the external surface of the conduit such that the heat transfer fluid transfers heat to the first side of the engine., 'an interface for providing heat to the first side of the engine, the interface comprising2. The powering system of wherein the heat transfer fluid is heated by the combustion product via the ...

REGENERATOR FOR A THERMAL CYCLE ENGINE

The regenerator has a central axis. The regenerator has a multitude of web layers wound around the central axis. The web layers are formed by two or more metal fiber or metal wire having webs wound around the central axis. When observed from the central axis to the outside of the regenerator, at least one web layer of a web of a first width is followed by a web layer of a web of a width larger than the web of a first width. 115-. (canceled)16. A regenerator for a thermal cycle engine ,wherein the regenerator has a central axis;wherein the regenerator comprises a multitude of web layers wound around the central axis;wherein the web layers are formed by two or more metal fiber or metal wire comprising webs wound around the central axis;wherein when observed from the central axis to the outside of the regenerator, at least one web layer of a web of a first width is followed by a web layer of a web of a width larger than the web of a first width.17. The regenerator as in claim 16 , wherein when observed from the central axis to the outside of the regenerator claim 16 , the width of the web forming the first web layer of the regenerator and the width of the web forming the last web layer of the regenerator are larger than the width of a web forming intermediate web layers in the regenerator.18. The regenerator as in claim 16 , wherein a number of web layers are formed by web of a first width wound around the central axis claim 16 , with in between these web layers claim 16 , web layers are formed by web of larger width than the web of a first width wound around the central axis.19. The regenerator as in claim 16 , wherein the side ends of web layers of webs of different widths are aligned at one end of the regenerator.20. The regenerator as in claim 16 , wherein the regenerator has over its axial length a constant cross sectional shape and size.21. The regenerator as in claim 16 , wherein the open surface area of the cross section of the regenerator available for working ...

STIRLING ENGINE COMPRISING A COOLING TUBE ON A WORKING CYLINDER

A Stirling engine comprising: a crank case () with a crank shaft () arranged therein, a displacer cylinder () with a reciprocatingly arranged displacer piston () therein, said displacer piston () being connected to said crank shaft () via a connecting rod () extending through a first end of said displacer cylinder (), and wherein the displacer cylinder () defines a hot chamber () and a cool chamber () separated by the displacer piston (), a working cylinder () defining a working cylinder chamber () with a reciprocatingly arranged working piston () therein, said working piston () being connected to said crank shaft () via a connecting rod () extending through a first end of the working cylinder (), a heater device (), arranged at a second end of said displacer cylinder () opposite to said first end and configured to heat a working gas which is present in the hot chamber () of the displacer cylinder () and in fluid communication with the working cylinder chamber () through a working gas channel which comprises a first heat exchanger () extending from a cylinder head () of the displacer cylinder () into the heater device (), a second heat exchanger () formed by a regenerator arranged outside the heater device (), and a transition flow element () provided between said second heat exchanger () and the working cylinder (), wherein the Stirling engine also comprises a cooling system for cooling of the displacer cylinder, the working cylinder and the tubular transition flow element. The Stirling engine comprises a first outer tube () arranged outside and enclosing the working cylinder (), and the cooling system comprises a first channel () configured to receive a cooling fluid and defined by the outer periphery of the working cylinder () and the inner periphery of said first outer tube (), and said channel () covers at least 50% of the outer peripheral surface of the working cylinder (). 1. A Stirling engine comprising:a crank case with a crank shaft arranged therein,a ...

VARIABLE VOLUME TRANSFER SHUTTLE CAPSULE AND VALVE MECHANISM

An engine includes a compression chamber that intakes and compresses working fluid; an expansion chamber that expands and exhausts working fluid; and a transfer chamber that receives working fluid from the compression chamber and transfers working fluid to the expansion chamber, wherein an internal volume of the transfer chamber decreases during the transfer of working fluid. 1. An engine comprising:a compression chamber that intakes and compresses working fluid;an expansion chamber that expands and exhausts working fluid; anda transfer chamber that receives working fluid from the compression chamber and transfers working fluid to the expansion chamber, wherein an internal volume of the transfer chamber decreases during the transfer of working fluid.2. The engine of claim 1 , wherein working fluid is further compressed in the internal volume of the transfer chamber.3. The engine of claim 1 , further comprising a heat exchanger claim 1 , for transfer thermal energy from an external heat source to working fluid.4. The engine of claim 3 , further comprising a conduit that routes working fluid from the expansion chamber to the compression chamber.5. The engine of claim 4 , further comprising a cooling chamber in the conduit.6. The engine of claim 4 , further comprising a valve in the conduit that fluidly couples and decouples the compression and expansion chambers.7. The engine of claim 1 , further comprising an ignition source claim 1 , inside the engine claim 1 , that initiates expansion.8. The engine of claim 1 , further comprising a transfer port of the transfer chamber that alternatively fluidly couples to an outlet port of the compression chamber and to an inlet port of the expansion chamber.9. The engine of claim 8 , wherein the transfer port simultaneously couples the outlet port of the compression chamber with the transfer port of the transfer chamber and the inlet port of the expansion chamber with the transfer port of the transfer chamber during a portion of ...

DRIVE DEVICE

Provided is a drive device efficiently converting thermal energy of a vertical high-temperature tank and a vertical low-temperature tank into a drive force. The volume variable container () at a vertical high-temperature tank () side is supported on the forward side of a horizontal communication pipe () in the travel direction, and the volume variable container () at a vertical low-temperature tank () is supported on the rear side of the horizontal communication pipe () in the travel direction, and enclosed gas is transferred by a pressure difference between the volume variable container () and the volume variable container (). A travel belt travels with respect to an insulation wall () due to a total buoyancy difference (F1-F2) between the total buoyancy (F1) of the buoyancy of the volume variable container () and the total buoyancy (F2) of the buoyancy of the volume variable container (). 1. A drive device which is driven by buoyancy and thermal energy , the drive device comprising:a vertical high-temperature tank which stores high-temperature liquid;a vertical low-temperature tank which stores low-temperature liquid while being provided adjacent to the vertical high-temperature tank;an insulation wall which is provided between the vertical high-temperature tank and the vertical low-temperature tank;a travel belt which is formed in an annular shape in the insulation wall and is movable with respect to the insulation wall;a plurality of horizontal communication pipes which causes the vertical high-temperature tank and the vertical low-temperature tank to communicate with each other across the travel belt;a pair of volume variable containers which is provided in each of the plurality of horizontal communication pipes and is supported by each of both ends of the horizontal communication pipe while an inside thereof communicates with an inside of the horizontal communication pipe; andan enclosed gas which is enclosed in the horizontal communication pipes and the pair ...

System and Method for Recovering Waste Heat

The disclosure relates to a system and method for recovering waste heat to improve the response and fuel economy of a machine. The system includes a heat recovery apparatus and an engine. The heat recovery apparatus has a cold cylinder, a first piston disposed in the cold cylinder, a hot cylinder, a second piston disposed in the hot cylinder, and a regenerator. The first piston and the second piston are in fluid communication with one another via the regenerator. The engine produces heat from multiple sources. A first heat source produced by the engine is thermally coupled to the regenerator and a second heat source produced by the engine is thermally coupled to the hot cylinder. The heat recovery apparatus is configured to convert the heat generated by the first and second heat sources into mechanical energy. 1. A waste heat recovery system comprising:a heat recovery apparatus including a cold cylinder, a first piston disposed in the cold cylinder, a hot cylinder, a second piston disposed in the hot cylinder, and a regenerator, wherein the first piston and the second piston are in fluid communication with one another via the regenerator; andan engine producing heat from multiple sources, wherein a first heat source is thermally coupled to the regenerator, and a second heat source is thermally coupled to the hot cylinder,wherein the heat recovery apparatus is configured to convert heat generated from the first heat source and the second heat source into mechanical energy through motion of the first piston and the second piston.2. The waste heat recovery system of further comprising an energy storage mechanism claim 1 , wherein the mechanical energy produced by the heat recovery apparatus is stored within the energy storage mechanism.3. The waste heat recovery system of claim 2 , wherein the energy storage mechanism is a hydraulic fluid accumulator.4. The waste heat recovery system of claim 2 , further comprising a motor operatively coupled to the energy storage ...

Method of Fluid Exchange and Separation Apparatus

The invention relates to a method of fluid exchange using a separation apparatus, in controlled fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet. Opening of the inlet enables fluid communication with the separation apparatus, exchange of fluid (a “first fluid exchange”) of a first volume of fluid, sealing/closing preventing further fluid communication. Opening of the outlet to be in fluid communication with the separation apparatus enables exchange of fluid (a “second fluid exchange”) through the open outlet of a second volume of fluid. In the method, the outgoing volume of fluid and the incoming volume of fluid in each exchange are substantially similar and there is substantially no loss of pressure by virtue of the exchange. The invention also relates to a separation apparatus, including a separation chamber and a control system. 1. A method of fluid exchange using a separation apparatus , the separation apparatus being able to be in controlled fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet , the method including the following steps:a. opening of the inlet enabling fluid communication with the separation apparatus;b. exchange of fluid (a “first fluid exchange”) is made through the open inlet of a first volume of fluid;c. a sealing/closing of the inlet to prevent further fluid communication with the separation apparatus;d. an opening of the outlet to be in fluid communication with the separation apparatus; and 'wherein the outgoing volume of fluid and the incoming volume of fluid in each exchange are substantially similar and there is substantially no loss of pressure by virtue of the exchange, and further wherein the following step is also included—equalisation of pressure between the fluid in the separation apparatus, and each of the inlet or outlet fluids separately before communication.', 'e. exchange of fluid (a “second fluid exchange”) is made through the open outlet of a second volume of fluid,'}2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method also includes the ...

Solar energy powered stirling duplex machine with thermal storage tank

A solar energy powered Stirling duplex cooler is presented which includes a Stirling engine and a Stirling cooler. The Stirling engine drives the Stirling cooler to produce cold temperatures for refrigeration or air conditioning. The Stirling duplex cooler includes a solar concentrator to focus high temperature solar radiation upon the Stirling engine expansion space. The Stirling duplex cooler further includes a thermal storage tank to receive and store heat rejected from the cooler expansion space. This stored heat is used to operate the cooler at night. A flywheel connected operatively to engine and cooler expansion space pistons and a crankshaft connected operatively to engine and cooler compression space pistons actuate the pistons to move a working fluid between the expansion and compression spaces.

ENERGY CONVERSION APPARATUS

An engine body may include a piston body comprising a piston chamber and a regenerator body comprising a regenerator conduit. An engine body may include a working-fluid heat exchanger body comprising a plurality of working-fluid pathways fluidly communicating between the piston chamber and the regenerator conduit. Additionally, or alternatively, an engine body may include a heater body comprising a plurality of heating fluid pathways and the plurality of working-fluid pathways. The heating fluid pathways may have a heat transfer relationship with the working fluid pathways. The working-fluid pathways may fluidly communicate between the piston chamber and the regenerator conduit. The engine body may include a monolithic body defined at least in part by the piston body, the regenerator body, and the working-fluid heat exchanger body, and/or defined at least in part by the piston body, the regenerator body, and the heater body. 120-. (canceled)21. An engine body , comprising:a piston body comprising a piston chamber;a regenerator body comprising a regenerator conduit; anda working-fluid heat exchanger body comprising a plurality of working-fluid pathways fluidly communicating between the piston chamber and the regenerator conduit;wherein the engine body comprises a monolithic body defined at least in part by the piston body, the regenerator body, and the working-fluid heat exchanger body.22. The engine body of claim 21 , comprising:a heater body comprising a plurality of heating fluid pathways having a heat transfer relationship with the plurality of working fluid pathways.23. The engine body of claim 22 , wherein the heater body defines at least a portion of a monolithic body-segment coupled to the engine body.24. The engine body of claim 22 , wherein the heater body defines a portion of the monolithic body.25. The engine body of claim 21 , comprising:a combustor body defining a combustion chamber.26. The engine body of claim 25 , wherein the combustor body defines at ...

Systems and methods for use with internal combustion engines and vehicles comprising the same

Systems, methods, and vehicles for use with internal combustion engines comprising combustion chambers that produce exhaust gases that include a Stirling engine having a hot side and a cold side with the hot side being in thermal contact with exhaust gases produced by the internal combustion engine. The Stirling engine is configured to be powered by heat from the exhaust gases during operation of the internal combustion engine, and a compressor powered by the Stirling engine is configured to provide compressed air to combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine.

Thermal Compression Engine

The Thermal Compression Engine is an external combustion engine using a regenerator to achieve cycle efficiency. The Thermal Compression Engine uses thermal compression (heat addition resulting in pressure rise) rather than mechanical. By alternating flow into a constant volume, of hot and then cold fluid creates pressure rise and fall in the working fluid. This fluctuating pressure generates a reservoir of high, and a reservoir of low pressure fluid. The TCE cycle uses the high and low pressure storage to generate a fluid flow, with expansion through a turbine or other expansion device, to generate power. 1. A thermal compression engine comprising:a main loop fluidly coupling a heat input exchanger, a vessel defining a working volume, a heat rejection exchanger, a regenerator configured to store heat, and a method of creating forward and reverse fluid flow in the main loop; andan output loop, the output loop having a first passage fluidly coupled to the main loop through a first check valve being fluidly coupled to a second vessel defining a high pressure storage, and a expander, the expander being coupled to a third vessel defining a low pressure storage, the third vessel being coupled to an second check valve which is fluidly coupled to the main loop through a second passage.2. The thermal compression engine according to wherein a second regenerator is incorporated prior to the second vessel defining a high pressure storage.3. The thermal compression engine according to wherein a third regenerator is incorporated prior to the third vessel defining a low pressure storage.4. The thermal compression engine according to wherein the first passage is disposed on a first heat rejection exchanger side (the side nearest the working volume) and the second passage is disposed on the second heat rejection exchanger side.5. The thermal compression engine according to wherein the second passage is disposed on a first heat rejection exchanger side (the side nearest the working ...

Thermodynamic Machine

A thermodynamic machine () of a Stirling type, the machine comprising an expansion chamber (), a compression in chamber (), a regenerator () disposed between the expansion and compression chambers; a first heat exchanger () in communication with the expansion chamber and the regenerator; a second heat exchanger () in communication with the compression chamber and the regenerator; a first bypass conduit () connecting the expansion chamber with the regenerator bypassing the first heat exchanger; a second bypass conduit () connecting the compression chamber with the regenerator bypassing the second heat exchanger; at least a pair valves (), one valve () provided between the expansion chamber and the first heat exchanger and/or between the regenerator and the first heat exchanger and/or in the first bypass conduit between the expansion chamber and the regenerator; and the other valve () provided between the compression chamber and the second heat exchanger and/or between the regenerator and the second heat exchanger and/or in the second bypass conduit between the compression chamber and the regenerator; the valves being controllable. 1. A thermodynamic machine of a Stirling cycle type , the machine being operable as a heat engine and/or a heat pump , the machine comprising:an expansion cylinder defining an expansion chamber, a compression cylinder defining a compression chamber and respective pistons reciprocally movable in the cylinders during operation of the machine;a regenerator disposed between and in communication with the expansion and compression chambers, wherein the regenerator comprises a regenerator chamber and wherein the thermodynamic machine is arranged such that substantially the whole volume of a working fluid will pass through said regenerator chamber twice during a single cycle of the thermodynamic machine;a first heat exchanger in communication with the expansion chamber and the said regenerator chamber and a second heat exchanger in communication ...

VIBRATION ISOLATION STRUCTURE OF LINEAR OSCILLATORY MOTOR AND STIRLING ENGINE

The disclosure provides a vibration isolation structure for linear oscillating motor and Stirling engine, wherein the said vibration isolation structure comprises a first vibration isolation device and a second vibration isolation device. The first vibration isolation device is set between the fixed hood and the housing of the linear oscillating motor to attenuate the high-frequency and small-amplitude vibrations from the linear oscillating motor. The first vibration isolation device comprises a first set of tension springs and a second set of tension springs, and a lateral gap is formed between the fixed hood and the linear oscillating motor. The second vibration isolation device is set in the said lateral gap to attenuate the low-frequency and large-amplitude vibrations from the linear oscillating motor. The second vibration isolation device comprises at least two sets of position-limiting protrusions and position-limiting blocks, and the position-limiting protrusion and position-limiting block are set in a match at the linear oscillating motor and the fixed hood respectively or reversely. Also disclosed is a Stirling engine assembled with a linear oscillating motor that comprising with an aforementioned vibration isolation structure. The vibration isolation structure improves the stability of the reciprocating linear oscillating motor and the Stirling engine, and reduces mechanical vibrations and noises. 1. A vibration isolation structure for linear oscillating motor , comprising:a first vibration isolation device that is set between a fixed hood and a housing of the linear oscillating motor, configured to attenuate high-frequency and small-amplitude vibrations from the linear oscillating motor; further comprising: a first set of tension springs and a second set of tension springs; wherein the first set of the tension springs and the second set of the tension springs are both connected to the fixed hood and the housing of the linear oscillating motor to suspend ...

Coolant Penetrating Cold-End Pressure Vessel

An improvement is provided to a pressurized close-cycle machine that has a cold-end pressure vessel and is of the type having a piston undergoing reciprocating linear motion within a cylinder containing a working fluid heated by conduction through a heater head by heat from an external thermal source. The improvement includes a heat exchanger for cooling the working fluid, where the heat exchanger is disposed within the cold-end pressure vessel. The heater head may be directly coupled to the cold-end pressure vessel by welding or other methods. A coolant tube is used to convey coolant through the heat exchanger. 1. A heat exchanger for cooling a working fluid in an external combustion engine , the heat exchanger comprising:a continuous length of metal tubing for conveying a coolant through the heat exchanger to outside a pressure vessel, wherein a section of the metal tubing contained within a cooler for directing a flow of the working fluid across the metal tubing.2. A heat exchanger according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat exchanger body formed by casting a material over the metal tubing.3. A heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein the heat exchanger body comprising a working fluid contact surface comprising a plurality of extended heat transfer surfaces.4. A heat exchanger according to claim 1 , further comprising a flow constricting countersurface for confining any flow of the working fluid to a specified proximity of the heat exchanger body.5. In a closed-cycle thermal engine claim 1 , of the type contained within a pressure vessel and having a piston undergoing reciprocating linear motion within a cylinder and a working fluid heated by conduction through a heater head claim 1 , the improvement comprising:a continuous length of metal tubing for conveying a coolant through the heat exchanger to outside a pressure vessel, wherein a section of the metal tubing contained within a cooler for directing a flow of the working fluid across the metal tubing ...

STIRLING ENGINE FOR AN EMISSION-FREE AIRCRAFT

Aircraft with an emission-free drive and method for emission-free driving of an aircraft. The aircraft includes a drive device structured and arranged to generate thrust, a lift device structured and arranged to generate lift, and a heat engine structured and arranged to convert thermal energy into kinetic energy to drive the drive device. The heat engine includes at least one flat-plate Stirling engine drivable by solar thermal radiation. 1. An aircraft with an emission-free drive , comprising:an aircraft thruster structured and arranged to generate thrust;an aircraft lift device structured and arranged to generate lift; anda heat engine, which is structured and arranged to convert thermal energy into kinetic energy to drive the aircraft thruster, comprising at least one flat-plate Stirling engine drivable by solar thermal radiation.2. The aircraft according to claim 1 , wherein the aircraft lift device comprises a wing with an airfoil section structured and arranged to generate lift claim 1 , and the flat-plate Stirling engine is arranged in the wing.3. The aircraft according to claim 1 , the flat-plate Stirling engine comprising:a working chamber filled with a working gas and having a top and an underside and a changeable working volume;a displacer structured and arranged to be moveable in the working chamber between the top and the underside;a regenerator structured and arranged in the working chamber to collect and deliver thermal energy contained in the working gas;a working piston connected to change a working volume of the working chamber;an inertia element structured and arranged in a rotatable manner;a drive structured and arranged to be connectable to the inertia element to drive the aircraft thruster; anda transmission structured and arranged to mechanically couple the displacer and the working piston with the inertia element,wherein the working chamber is located in the aircraft lift device and the working gas is heatable from a top of the aircraft lift ...

Heat exchanger, refrigeration cycle apparatus, and method of manufacturing heat exchanger

A heat exchanger includes a plurality of fins spaced apart from each other such that gas flows therebetween, and a plurality of heat transfer tubes extending through the plurality of fins and joined to the plurality of fins by tube expansion. The heat transfer tubes are arranged in five or more columns along a flow direction of the gas and staggered in a row direction intersecting the flow direction of the gas. Each of the plurality of fins is flat and plate-shaped and continuously extends between the heat transfer tubes in the flow direction of the gas. The plurality of heat transfer tubes satisfy relationships of 1.055 D≦Da≦1.068 D and 1.56 Da≦L≦2.58 Da, where D is an unexpanded outside diameter of the heat transfer tubes, Da is an expanded outside diameter thereof, and L is a distance between centers of adjacent two heat transfer tubes.

DUAL STIRLING CYCLE LIQUID AIR BATTERY

The invention relates to a liquid air energy storage system. The storage system includes a cryocooler, a dewar, and a Sterling engine. The cryocooler cools a tip of a cold head to cryogenic temperatures, the cryocooler further includes a heat sink to reject heat from the cryocooler and a cold head that protrudes into a dewar through a cryocooler cavity, the cold head to condense ambient air to create liquified air in the dewar. The dewar holds the liquified air at low temperatures, the dewar having the cryocooler cavity and a Stirling cavity. The Stirling engine drives an electric generator, the Stirling engine further including a cold finger protruding into the dewar through the Stirling cavity, the cold finger to move the liquified air from the dewar to a Stirling heat sink; the Stirling heat sink to expand the liquified air; and the electric generator to generate output electricity. 1. A recovery engine comprising: a heat sink to reject heat from the cryocooler, and', 'the cold head that protrudes into a dewar through a cryocooler cavity, the cold head to condense ambient air to create liquified air in the dewar;, 'a cryocooler to cool a tip of a cold head to cryogenic temperatures, the cryocooler further comprisingthe dewar to hold the liquified air at low temperatures, the dewar having the cryocooler cavity and a Stirling cavity; and a cold finger protruding into the dewar through the Stirling cavity, the cold finger to move the liquified air from the dewar to a Stirling heat sink,', 'the Stirling heat sink to expand the liquified air and to drive the electric generator, and', 'the electric generator to generate output electricity., 'the Stirling engine to drive an electric generator, the Stirling engine further comprising2. The recovery engine of claim 1 , wherein the dewar is a vacuum insulated container.3. The recovery engine of claim 1 , wherein the Stirling heat sink rests at ambient temperature.4. The recovery engine of claim 3 , wherein the Stirling ...

BURNER-HEAT EXCHANGER ASSEMBLY FOR AN EXTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

A burner-heat exchanger assembly () includes a burner () with a tubular diffuser wall (), a combustion chamber () formed inside the diffuser wall (), a heat exchanger () arranged in the combustion chamber () and having one or more heat exchange surfaces () exposed in the combustion chamber (). A minimal diffuser-exchanger distance (C) between the diffuser wall () and the corresponding heat exchange surface () in the combustion chamber () ranges from 20 mm to 40 mm. 1. Gas burner-heat exchanger assembly for an external combustion engine , comprising a gas burner and a heat exchanger , a front wall defining a front side of the gas burner and forming a pass-through opening for the exchanger,', 'a rear wall defining a rear side of the gas burner and forming an opening to exhaust combustion gases,', 'a tubular side wall extended between the front wall and the rear wall and about a longitudinal axis of the assembly,', 'a tubular diffuser wall arranged inside the side wall and extended between the front wall and the rear wall and about the longitudinal axis, the diffuser wall having a perforation for passage of a gas mixture from an outer side of the diffuser wall to an inner side of the diffuser wall where combustion takes place,', 'an annular distribution chamber formed between the side wall and the diffuser wall to distribute the gas mixture on the outer side of the diffuser wall,', 'a combustion chamber formed inside the diffuser wall and delimited on a rear side by the rear wall, the combustion chamber receiving the heat exchanger,, 'the gas burner comprisingwherein the heat exchanger is formed by a tube assembly extended in the combustion chamber and passed through by a working fluid of the external combustion engine and having a heat exchange surface exposed in the combustion chamber,wherein a minimal diffuser-exchanger distance between the diffuser wall and the corresponding heat exchange surface ranges from 20 mm to 40 mm.3. The gas burner-heat exchanger assembly ...

Isochoric Piston-Cylinder Heat Pump

An internally reversible thermodynamic heat pump cycle of isentropic expansion, isochoric heating, and isothermal compression, and using a constant-temperature heat source and sink. This heat pump cycle has a COP that exceeds the Carnot maximum COP for its maximum temperature range; this heat pump does not violate the second law of thermodynamics. 1. A method of operating a mechanical heat pump according to an internally reversible , thermodynamic cycle , comprising:providing a high pressure, ambient temperature gas in a piston-cylinder system at top dead center;isentropically expanding the high pressure, ambient temperature gas in the piston cylinder system to bottom dead center;isochorically heating the gas in the piston cylinder system back to the ambient temperature; andisothermally compressing the gas in the piston cylinder system back to the initial state of the piston at top dead center at the ambient temperature.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mechanical heat pump includes a constant temperature heat source and a heat sink disposed proximate the piston cylinder system;after the process of isentropic expansion, this will provide a heat source for the process of isochoric heating;followed by providing as a sink for cooling for the process of isothermal compression.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the constant temperature heat source and heat sink are at the ambient temperature with no temperature gradient.4. A mechanical heat pump as described in with a bore of 7 cm claim 1 , a stroke of 10 cm claim 1 , a compression ratio of 2 and an iron cylinder wall of 5 mm thickness.5. The mechanical heat pump of claim 4 , wherein the isochoric heating and the isothermal compression are one continuous process such that the piston cylinder system begins to compress the gas at a rate slow enough that the gas reaches the ambient temperature prior to the piston cylinder system returning to top dead center.6. The mechanical heat pump of claim 4 , wherein the gas is ...

ENERGY TRANSFER MACHINES

A novel engine for producing power from a temperature differential with additional benefits of low cost, high efficiency, quiet operation minimal wear of components, and the ability to produce power or cooling from low grade heat sources. 14-. (canceled)5. An energy transfer machine , comprising:passageways defining a path and containing a liquid;a pressure-displacement coupled interface on the path dividing the path into a first energy transfer circuit and a second energy transfer circuit;first flow control devices on the first energy transfer circuit coordinated to permit pulsed flow through the first energy transfer circuit with energy transfer through the pressure-displacement coupled interface;second flow control devices on the second energy transfer circuit coordinated to permit pulsed flow through the second energy transfer circuit with energy transfer through the pressure-displacement coupled interface;a first accumulator on the first energy transfer circuit to accommodate pressure variation in the first energy transfer circuit;a second accumulator on the second energy transfer circuit to accommodate pressure variation in the second energy transfer circuit;the first flow control devices and the second flow control devices being coordinated to allow the pulsed flows in the first energy transfer circuit and the second energy transfer circuit to combine to create flow around the path; andan input-output device coupled to the pressure-displacement coupled interface to at least one of input energy into and extract energy from the pressure-displacement coupled interface.6. The energy transfer machine of in which the path is pressurized with different pressure in the first energy transfer circuit than in the second energy transfer circuit.7. The energy transfer machine of in which the pressure-displacement coupled interface comprises a piston or diaphragm contained within a conduit extending between sides of the path at different pressure.8. The energy transfer ...

STIRLING CYCLE ENGINE

Provided is a thermally efficient Stirling cycle engine including: a casing; a cylinder housed within the casing; a piston reciprocatable inside said cylinder; a displacer reciprocatable with a phase difference relative to the piston; a compression chamber defined between the piston and the displacer; an expansion chamber arranged on a first side of the displacer with a second side thereof opposite to the compression chamber; a heat exhausting unit arranged in the neighborhood of the compression chamber; a heat absorbing unit arranged in the neighborhood of the expansion chamber; a regenerator arranged between the heat exhausting unit and the heat absorbing unit; and a heat exhausting chamber defined between an outer surface of the casing and an inner surface of the heat exhausting unit, said heat exhausting chamber in communication with the compression chamber and the regenerator respectively through a first passage and a second passage provided in the casing. 1. A Stirling cycle engine comprising:a casing;a cylinder housed within the casing;a piston capable of being reciprocated inside said cylinder;a displacer capable of being reciprocated with a phase difference relative to the piston;a compression chamber defined between the piston and the displacer;an expansion chamber arranged on a first side of the displacer with a second side thereof opposite to the compression chamber;a heat exhausting unit arranged in the neighborhood of the compression chamber;a heat absorbing unit arranged in the neighborhood of the expansion chamber;a regenerator arranged between the heat exhausting unit and the heat absorbing unit;a heat exhausting chamber defined between an outer surface of the casing and an inner surface of the heat exhausting unit,a first passage provided in the casing for communicating said heat exhausting chamber with said compression chamber; anda second passage provided in the casing for communicating said heat exhausting chamber with said regenerator.2. The ...

APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR EXCHANGING HEAT WITH A FLUID

An apparatus for exchanging heat with a fluid includes a heat exchanger having first and second opposing surfaces and a plurality of flow passages permitting axial fluid flow between the surfaces. A manifold having an interface surface is in thermal contact with the first surface and includes a thermally conductive body for conducting heat in an axial direction between the interface surface and a heat transmitting surface. A plurality of feed passages extend through the thermally conductive body in a transverse direction, the passages having an inlet for receiving or discharging fluid. A plurality of distribution passages have ends in fluid communication with at least one of the feed passages and openings distributed over the interface surface. The distribution passages are configured to cause a change in fluid flow direction between a transversely directed flow in the feed passages and an axially directed flow at the openings. 1. An apparatus for exchanging heat with a fluid , the apparatus comprising:a heat exchanger having first and second opposing surfaces and a plurality of flow passages that permit fluid flow between the first and second surfaces in a substantially axial direction, wherein the axial direction is perpendicular to the first and second surfaces; a thermally conductive body operable to conduct heat between the interface surface and a distally located heat transmitting surface in a heat flow direction generally aligned with the axial direction, the heat transmitting surface being fluid impermeable;', 'a plurality of feed passages extending through the thermally conductive body in a generally transverse direction with respect to the axial direction, each feed passage having an inlet for receiving or discharging the fluid; and', 'a plurality of distribution passages, each distribution passage having an end in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of feed passages and having an opening at the interface surface, the respective openings ...

CRYOGENIC STIRLING REFRIGERATOR WITH A PNEUMATIC EXPANDER

A split Stirling cryogenic refrigerator device may include a resonant pneumatic expander comprising a resonant displacer assembly supported by a spring and configured to slide back and forth along a longitudinal axis within a housing of the resonant pneumatic expander, the resonant displacer assembly comprising a tubular displacer containing a regenerator and coupled to a sealing piston, and a driving piston coupled to the sealing piston by an elongated radially compliant and axially rigid connecting member. 1. A split Stirling cryogenic refrigerator device comprising: a tubular displacer containing a regenerator and coupled to a sealing piston, and', 'a driving piston coupled to the sealing piston by an elongated radially compliant and axially rigid connecting member., 'a resonant pneumatic expander comprising a resonant displacer assembly supported by a spring and configured to slide back and forth along a longitudinal axis within a housing of the resonant pneumatic expander, the resonant displacer assembly comprising'}2. The device of claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the tubular displacer is substantially equal to a diameter of the sealing piston.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the tubular displacer is unequal to a diameter of the driving piston.4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the diameter of the tubular displacer is greater than the diameter of the driving piston.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein each of the sealing piston and the driving piston is configured to slide back and forth in a matched bore within a bushing.6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the sealing piston and the driving piston are configured to slide back and forth within a coaxially arranged cold finger of the expander and proximal and distal bushings.7. The device of claim 5 , wherein the matched bores are substantially coaxially aligned in a single bushing.8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the spring is a helical spring.9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the spring is a ...

Stirling Cycle Machine

A rod seal assembly. The rod seal assembly includes a housing between two spaces configured to receive a reciprocating rod, the reciprocating rod disposed within a first space and a second space, a floating bushing configured to move axially and radially within the housing and disposed coaxially around the reciprocating rod, a rod seal configured to seal the outside diameter of the reciprocating rod relative to an inside surface of the floating bushing, and at least one stationary bushing fixed within the housing that may form a seal with the floating bushing to the axial flow of fluid in the presence of a pressure difference between the two spaces. 1. A rod seal assembly comprising:a housing between two spaces configured to receive a reciprocating rod, the reciprocating rod disposed within a first space and a second space;a floating bushing configured to move axially and radially within the housing and disposed coaxially around the reciprocating rod;a rod seal configured to seal the outside diameter of the reciprocating rod relative to an inside surface of the floating bushing; andat least one stationary bushing fixed within the housing that may form a seal with the floating bushing to the axial flow of fluid in the presence of a pressure difference between the two spaces.2. The rod seal assembly of claim 1 , wherein the floating bushing is configured to move radially to center on the piston rod when the pressure difference between the first and second space is small and form the seal with the stationary bushing when the pressure difference is larger.3. The rod seal assembly of claim 1 , wherein the rod seal is a spring energized seal.4. The rod seal assembly of claim 2 , wherein the floating bushing further comprises a circumferential flange on the outside surface that is configured to extend into the annular space and form a seal with one of the stationary bushings.5. The rod seal assembly of claim 1 , wherein the rod seal is formed of a PTFE composite.6. The rod ...

Piston machine and method for the operation thereof

A piston machine ( 1 ) for converting heat into work or for heating and cooling by the application of work, having at least one chamber arrangement ( 8 ), which comprises at least two chambers ( 2, 3, 4 ) connected by at least one connecting duct ( 9, 10 ), wherein at least two of the chambers ( 2, 4 ) are substantially thermally insulated against one another, and having pistons ( 5, 6, 7 ) which are impermeable to a working medium and are movably arranged in the respective chambers ( 2, 3, 4 ) to vary a partial working volume bounded by the chamber ( 2, 3, 4 ) and the piston ( 5, 6, 7 ), wherein at least one of the chambers ( 2, 4 ) comprises thermal transfer surfaces ( 34, 45 ) to increase the surface area thereof, wherein the pistons ( 5, 6, 7 ) or elements connected therewith, are connected to actuating elements for defining motion profiles for each of the pistons ( 5, 6, 7 ), and wherein the actuating elements are designed to define at least two different motion profiles for the pistons ( 5, 6, 7 ) in the chamber arrangement ( 8 ).

THERMAL ENGINE WITH ENERGY MODULATION MECHANISM

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for extracting thermal energy from thermal expansion of a working medium in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a thermal expander, a compressor for compressing the working medium after the expansion, and a force modulation unit connecting the thermal expander to the compressor. The force modulation unit consists of two conversion gears that are connected by a lever system. The lever system can be dynamically controlled so that the non-constant force from thermal expansion is modulated into a substantially constant output force of the apparatus. 1. An apparatus for extracting thermal energy including:at least one expander for extracting thermal energy from thermal expansion of a working medium in one or more cylinders of the at least one expander;at least one compressor for compressing the working medium after the expansion; anda force modulation unit connecting the at least one expander to the at least one compressor, the force modulation unit being adapted to modulate non-constant force from the at least one expander into a substantially constant force.2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one expander and the at least one compressor work alternately via the force modulation unit.3. An apparatus according to or claim 1 , wherein the force modulating unit includes two conversion gears claim 1 , each conversion gear having at least one epicyclic gear.4. An apparatus according to any one of to claim 1 , wherein the force modulating unit further includes a lever connecting the two conversion gears.5. An apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the lever constrains a sun gear axis and a planetary gear axis of each epicyclic gear within a swinging plane.6. An apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein fulcrum of the lever is constrained by the swinging plane claim 5 , the fulcrum being freely slideable along the lever in between the planetary gear axes of the conversion gears for pivotal control.7. An apparatus ...

RADIATION THERMAL ABSORBER BASED ON CHARACTERISTIC ABSORPTION SPECTRUM, AND STIRLING ENGINE AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF

A radiation thermal absorber based on characteristic absorption spectrum, a Stirling engine and an operation method thereof. The radiation thermal absorber allows working gas in the Stirling engine to absorb radiation heat quickly, and help the Stirling engine adopt assistant heating to ensure steady operation when solar power is not enough. The radiation thermal absorber includes a heater base, a radiation energy conversion device, heating tubes, a combustion chamber and valves of the heating tubes. The radiation energy conversion device converts the solar energy into radiation energy near a characteristic absorption peak of the working gas, and the working gas absorbs the radiation directly in depth. 1. A radiation thermal absorber based on characteristic absorption spectrum , comprising:a heater base,a radiation energy conversion device positioned on an upper end of the heater base and of an expansion chamber of a Stirling engine,heater tubes,a combustion chamber located around the heater tubes and providing heat needed by the heater tubes, andvalves of the heating tubes, wherein the heater tubes are connected to the valves of the heating tubes, the valves of the heating tube are connected to the heater base, the heater base has a first pore structure, a second pore structure, and a third pore structure, the second pore structure is positioned on a connection place between the heater base and the expansion chamber, the first pore structure is positioned on a connection place between the heater base and a regenerator, and the third pore structure is positioned on a connection place between the expansion chamber and the regenerator and is close to an upper surface of the heater base.2. The radiation thermal absorber based on characteristic absorption spectrum according to claim 1 , wherein the radiation energy conversion device is made from semiconductor or metal claim 1 , and includes a radiation receiver claim 1 , an intermediate layer and a radiation emitter ...

Control and configuration of software-defined machines

Disclosed techniques include control and configuration of software-defined machines. A hardware design for a mechanical system is obtained. The mechanical system includes a plurality of components that includes a liquid piston heat engine. Couplings between the plurality of components are described. A plurality of layers for the mechanical system is defined. The mechanical system that includes the liquid piston heat engine is implemented. The implementation is across the plurality of layers. The implementation is based on the couplings between the plurality of components. The couplings are described using connectivity maps. The implementation is based on construction rules. An application programming interface is used to communicate information on the plurality of layers for the mechanical system. The plurality of layers provides progressive levels of abstraction for the mechanical system.

Stirling Cycle Machine

A Stirling cycle machine. The machine includes at least one rocking drive mechanism which includes: a rocking beam having a rocker pivot, at least one cylinder and at least one piston. The piston is housed within a respective cylinder and is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder. Also, the drive mechanism includes at least one coupling assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The linear motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the rocking beam. Also, a crankcase housing the rocking beam and housing a first portion of the coupling assembly is included. The machine also includes a working space housing the at least one cylinder, the at least one piston and a second portion of the coupling assembly. An airlock is included between the workspace and the crankcase and a seal is included for sealing the workspace from the airlock and crankcase. A burner and burner control system is also included for heating the machine and controlling ignition and combustion in the burner. 1. A drive mechanism for a machine comprising:a rocking beam having a first end and a second end, wherein a rocker pivot substantially centered on the rocking beam between the first end and the second end;at least one cylinder;at least one piston, the piston housed within a respective cylinder whereby the piston is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder;at least one coupling assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the piston and the distal end being connected to the second end of the rocking beam by an end pivot; anda connecting rod having a connecting rod first end and a connecting rod second end, the connecting rod connected at the connecting rod first end to the second end of the rocking beam and the connecting rod second end connecting to a crankshaft to convert rotary motion of the rocking beam to rotary motion of the crankshaft.2. The rocking beam drive ...

VANE-ROTOR TYPE STIRLING ENGINE

A Stirling engine includes: a housing for storing a heating medium in an internal space, a rotor eccentrically disposed in the housing and having a plurality of vane slots, a plurality of vanes inserted into the vane slots, a heater for heating the heating medium in the housing, a radiator for cooling the heating medium in the housing, and an output shaft coupled to the rotor so as to output power to the outside. In the Stirling engine, heat absorption portion-side vanes and heat radiation portion-side vanes are installed to the single rotor in the housing, a heat absorption portion and a heat radiation portion are formed in a single enclosed space in the housing, and the heating medium continuously undergoes isothermal expansion and isothermal compression under a constant volume, thereby generating power. 1. A Stirling engine comprising:a housing for storing a heating medium in an internal space;a rotor eccentrically disposed in the housing and having a plurality of vane slots;a plurality of vanes inserted into the vane slots;a heater configured to heat the heating medium in the housing;a radiator configured to cool the heating medium in the housing; andan output shaft coupled to the rotor so as to output power to outside,wherein the internal space of the housing comprises a heat absorption portion as a space in which the heating medium is heated, and a heat radiation portion as a space in which the heating medium is cooled,wherein the plurality of vanes comprise heat absorption portion-side vanes, one end of each of the heat absorption portion-side vanes is inserted into each of the vane slots, and other end of each of the heat absorption portion-side vanes comes into contact with an inner surface of the housing forming the heat absorption portion during rotation of the rotor,wherein heat radiation portion-side vanes is configured that one end of each of the heat radiation portion-side vanes is inserted into each of the vane slots, and other end of each of the ...

STIRLING ENGINE

The displacer . . . has a gas retention space Hg . . . formed therein. The gas retention space Hg . . . enables a working gas G to be alternately moved between a heating unit side and a cooling unit side of a displacer cylinder . . . by the movement of the displacer . . . . The displacer . . . and the displacer cylinder . . . have an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface , respectively, formed into such shapes as to be able to permit the movement of the displacer . . . and inhibit passage of the working gas G. The displacer . . . has a gas passageway which is formed on its outer circumferential surface and includes a gas passage groove that allows the gas retention space Hg to communicate with a working gas inlet/outlet . . . provided in the displacer cylinder . . . and connected to a power cylinder 1. A Stirling engine comprising:a displacer body unit having a displacer cylinder in which a working gas and a movable displacer are accommodated;a cooling and heating working unit having a heating unit that heats a first side of the displacer cylinder and a cooling unit that cools a second side of the displacer cylinder;a displacer-driving actuator that moves the displacer; anda power output unit having a power cylinder containing a power piston that is moved by an effect of volume change of the working gas in the displacer cylinder,wherein the displacer has a gas retention space formed therein, the gas retention space enabling the working gas to be alternately moved between a heating unit side and a cooling unit side of the displacer cylinder by movement of the displacer,the displacer and the displacer cylinder have an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, respectively, formed into such shapes as to be able to permit the movement of the displacer and inhibit passage of the working gas, andthe displacer has a gas passageway formed on its outer circumferential surface, including a gas passage groove which allows ...

STIRLING CYCLE MACHINES

Stirling cycle machines, including engines and coolers or heat pumps are described. In a disclosed arrangement, there is provided a Stirling cycle engine, comprising: an expansion volume structure defining an expansion volume; a compression volume structure defining a compression volume; a gas spring coupling volume structure defining a gas spring coupling volume; a first reciprocating assembly comprising an expansion piston configured to reciprocate within the expansion volume and an expander gas spring piston rigidly connected to the expansion piston and configured to reciprocate within the gas spring coupling volume; and a second reciprocating assembly comprising a compression piston configured to reciprocate within the compression volume and a compressor gas spring piston rigidly connected to the compression piston and configured to reciprocate within the gas spring coupling volume, wherein the gas spring coupling volume structure and the first and second reciprocating assemblies are configured such that power is transferred in use from the expansion piston to the compression piston via the gas spring coupling volume. 1. A Stirling cycle engine , comprising:an expansion volume structure defining an expansion volume;a compression volume structure defining a compression volume;a gas spring coupling volume structure defining a gas spring coupling volume;a first reciprocating assembly comprising an expansion piston configured to reciprocate within the expansion volume and an expander gas spring piston rigidly connected to the expansion piston and configured to reciprocate within the gas spring coupling volume; anda second reciprocating assembly comprising a compression piston configured to reciprocate within the compression volume and a compressor gas spring piston rigidly connected to the compression piston and configured to reciprocate within the gas spring coupling volume, wherein:the gas spring coupling volume structure and the first and second reciprocating ...

REINFORCED SEALING RINGS

The present disclosure provides a sealing ring assembly having a sealing ring and a reinforcement, configured to seal a high-pressure region from a lower pressure region of a piston and cylinder device. The sealing ring may be segmented, and a metal layer, wire, or other reinforcement may be affixed to the ring. The reinforcement is placed into tension against the sealing ring, which is correspondingly placed into compression. The composite structure of a relatively brittle sealing ring and reinforcement provides for reduced tensile loads in the sealing ring, thus extending life and reducing the likelihood of failure. The brittle portion of the sealing ring assembly may include a polymer or ceramic such as graphite, which is relatively less strong in tension than compression. 1. A sealing ring assembly comprising:at least one ring segment; andat least one metal layer affixed to the at least one ring segment at an interface, wherein the metal layer provides a compressive preload onto the at least one ring segment at the interface.2. The sealing ring assembly of claim 1 , wherein the interface is a brazed interface.3. The sealing ring assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one ring segment comprises a self-lubricating material.4. The sealing ring assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the at least one ring segment comprises graphite.5. The sealing ring assembly of claim 1 , configured for oil-less operation.6. The sealing ring assembly of claim 1 , wherein:the at least one ring segment has a corresponding first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE);the metal layer has a corresponding second CTE; andthe first CTE and the second CTE are matched to each other.7. The sealing ring assembly of claim 1 , wherein the metal layer comprises at least one metal sheet.8. The sealing ring assembly of claim 1 , wherein the metal layer is affixed along a portion of the at least one ring segment.9. The sealing ring assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ...

STIRLING ENGINE

A Stirling engine comprising: a crank case () with a crank shaft () arranged therein, a displacer cylinder () with a reciprocatingly arranged displacer piston () therein, said displacer piston () being connected to said crank shaft () via a connecting rod () extending through a first end of said displacer cylinder (), and wherein the displacer cylinder () defines a hot chamber () and a cool chamber () separated by the displacer piston (), a working cylinder () defining a working cylinder chamber () with a reciprocatingly arranged working piston () therein, said working piston () being connected to said crank shaft () via a connecting rod () extending through a first end of the working cylinder (), a heater device (), arranged at a second end of said displacer cylinder opposite to said first end and configured to heat a working gas which is present in the hot chamber () of the displacer cylinder () and in fluid communication with the working cylinder chamber () through a working gas channel which comprises a first heat exchanger () extending from a head () of the displacer cylinder () into the heater device (), a second heat exchanger () formed by a regenerator arranged outside the heater device (), and a third heat exchanger () formed by a cooler arranged between the regenerator () and the working cylinder chamber (). At any point along the working gas channel, as seen cross wise to an assumed working gas flow direction through the working gas channel, the cross section area of the working gas channel defined by the first, second and third heat exchangers is within the range of the medium cross section area of the working gas channel +/−10%. 1. A stirling engine comprising:a crank case with a crank shaft arranged therein,a displacer cylinder with a reciprocatingly arranged displacer piston therein, said displacer piston being connected to said crank shaft via a connecting rod extending through a first end of said displacer cylinder, and wherein the displacer ...

STIRLING ENGINE

A Stirling engine comprising: 1. A stirling engine comprising:a crank case with a crank shaft arranged therein,a displacer cylinder with a reciprocatingly arranged displacer piston therein, said displacer piston being connected to said crank shaft via a connecting rod extending through a first end of said displacer cylinder, and wherein the displacer cylinder defines a hot chamber and a cool chamber separated by the displacer piston,a working cylinder defining a working cylinder chamber with a reciprocatingly arranged working piston therein, said working piston being connected to said crank shaft via a connecting rod extending through a first end of the working cylinder,a heater device, arranged at a second end of said displacer cylinder opposite to said first end and configured to heat a working gas which is present in the hot chamber of the displacer cylinder and in fluid communication with the working cylinder chamber through a working gas channel which comprisesa first heat exchanger extending from a head of the displacer cylinder into the heater device, anda second heat exchanger formed by a regenerator arranged outside the heater device,wherein the regenerator comprises a regenerator formed by metal foam that has an open porosity.2. The stirling engine according to claim 1 , characterised in that the hydraulic porosity of the regenerator is at least 10% of the total volume of the metal foam.3. The stirling engine according to claim 2 , wherein the hydraulic porosity is within the range of 70-95% of the total volume of the metal foam.4. The stirling engine according to claim 1 , wherein the metal foam is comprised by a matrix claim 1 , wherein the matrix material in itself is at least partly hollow.5. The stirling engine according to claim 4 , wherein the porosity inside the matrix material is 1-50% of the total volume of the matrix.6. The stirling engine according to claim 4 , wherein the porosity inside the matrix material is 25-50% of the total volume of the ...

Carbon negative clean fuel production system

A carbon negative clean fuel production system includes: a main platform; a heat collection device for capturing heat from a hydrothermal emissions from a hydrothermal vent on a floor of an ocean; a heat driven electric generator; a heat distribution system including a heat absorbing material and a heat transporting pipe; anchor platforms tethered to the main platform; a mineral separator; a seawater filtration unit; a water splitting device; a sand refinery machine; a carbon removal system; and a chemical production system for producing hydrides, halides and silane. Also disclosed is a method for carbon negative clean fuel production, including: capturing heat; producing electric energy; separating minerals; filtering seawater; splitting water; refining sand; removing carbon dioxide; and producing hydrides, halides, and silane. 1. A carbon negative clean fuel production system , comprising:a) a heat collection device, which is configured to capture a heat from hydrothermal emissions from a hydrothermal vent on a floor of an ocean, wherein the heat collection device is positioned adjacent to the hydrothermal vent;b) a heat driven electric generator, which is configured to receive the heat from the hydrothermal vent and produce electric energy; a heat absorbing material; and', a heat transport segment; and', 'a return flow segment;', 'wherein a first end of the heat transport segment is connected to an output of the heat collection device and a second end of the heat transport segment is connected to an input of the heat driven electric generator; and', 'wherein a first end of the return flow segment is connected to an output of the heat driven electric generator and a second end of the return flow segment is connected to an input of the heat collection device;, 'at least one heat transporting pipe, comprising], 'c) a heat distribution system, comprisingd) a seawater filtration unit, which is configured to filter seawater from the ocean, to produce filtered ...

EFFICIENT STIRLING ENGINE

An efficient stirling engine comprises an expansion chamber with a heater and a compression chamber with a cooler, wherein the two chambers are connected through a regenerator. A passage between the heater and the expansion chamber is provided with a first valve system, a passage between the cooler and the compression chamber is provided with a second valve system, the first valve system can close or open the passage between the heater and the expansion chamber, and the second valve system can close or open the passage between the cooler and the compression chamber. After adopting the structure above, when a heating end is heated to expand, a cooling end at the other end is closed, and on the contrary, when the cooling end is cooled to shrink, the heating end at the other end is closed, so that the heating energy is fully used, so as to increase the efficiency of the stirling engine. 1. An efficient stirling engine , comprising an expansion chamber with a heater and a compression chamber with a cooler , wherein the two chambers are connected through a regenerator , a passage between the heater and the expansion chamber is provided with a first valve system , a passage between the cooler and the compression chamber is provided with a second valve system , the first valve system can close or open the passage between the heater and the expansion chamber , and the second valve system can close or open the passage between the cooler and the compression chamber.2. The efficient stirling engine according to claim 1 , wherein the expansion chamber and the compression chamber are located in a shifting air cylinder claim 1 , and the shifting air cylinder is internally provided with a shifting air piston in capable of moving back and forth in the shifting air cylinder.3. The efficient stirling engine according to claim 2 , wherein the regenerator is arranged in the shifting air piston.4. The efficient stirling engine according to claim 1 , wherein both the first valve system ...

REINFORCED SEALING RINGS

The present disclosure provides a sealing ring assembly having a sealing ring and a reinforcement, configured to seal a high-pressure region from a lower pressure region of a piston and cylinder device. The sealing ring may be segmented, and a metal layer, wire, or other reinforcement may be affixed to the ring. The reinforcement is placed into tension against the sealing ring, which is correspondingly placed into compression. The composite structure of a relatively brittle sealing ring and reinforcement provides for reduced tensile loads in the sealing ring, thus extending life and reducing the likelihood of failure. The brittle portion of the sealing ring assembly may include a polymer or ceramic such as graphite, which is relatively less strong in tension than compression. 120.-. (canceled)21. A piston assembly , comprising:a piston comprising a circumferential groove that extends around an outer surface of the piston; and{'claim-text': ['at least one ring segment;', 'a feature reinforcing the at least one ring segment; and', 'a bonding layer attached to the feature and to the at least one ring segment, the bonding layer pre-fabricated based on a geometry of the feature.'], '#text': 'a sealing ring assembly arranged in the circumferential groove, the sealing ring assembly comprising:'}22. The piston assembly of claim 21 , wherein the feature comprises a reinforcement layer claim 21 , and wherein:the bonding layer is attached to a radially inward surface of the at least one ring segment, andthe reinforcement layer is attached to the bonding layer.23. The piston assembly of claim 21 , wherein the feature comprises a rear ring segment claim 21 , and wherein:the bonding layer is attached to an axially rearward surface of the at least one ring segment, andthe rear ring segment is attached to the bonding layer.241. The piston assembly of claim 21 , The sealing ring assembly of claim claim 21 , wherein the bonding layer comprises a brazed layer.25. The piston assembly ...

MONOLITHIC HEAT-EXCHANGER BODIES

A monolithic heat exchanger body for inputting heat to a closed-cycle engine may include a plurality of heating walls and heat sink, such as a plurality of heat transfer regions. The plurality of heating walls may be configured and arranged in an array of spirals or spiral arcs relative to a longitudinal axis of an inlet plenum. Adjacent portions of the plurality of heating walls may respectively define a corresponding plurality of heating fluid pathways therebetween, for example, fluidly communicating with the inlet plenum. At least a portion of the heat sink may be disposed about at least a portion of the monolithic heat exchanger body. The heat sink may include a plurality of working-fluid bodies, for example, including a plurality of working-fluid pathways that have a heat transfer relationship with the plurality of heating fluid pathways. Respective ones of the plurality of heat transfer regions may have a heat transfer relationship with a corresponding semiannular portion of the plurality of heating fluid pathways. Respective ones of the plurality of heat transfer regions may include a plurality of working-fluid pathways fluidly communicating between a heat input region and a heat extraction region. 1. A monolithic heat exchanger body for inputting heat to a closed-cycle engine , the monolithic heat exchanger body comprising:a plurality of heating walls configured and arranged in an array of spirals or spiral arcs relative to a longitudinal axis of an inlet plenum, wherein adjacent portions of the plurality of heating walls respectively define a corresponding plurality of heating fluid pathways fluidly communicating with the inlet plenum; anda plurality of heat transfer regions, wherein respective ones of the plurality of heat transfer regions have a heat transfer relationship with a corresponding semiannular portion of the plurality of heating fluid pathways, wherein respective ones of the plurality of heat transfer regions comprise a plurality of working- ...

INTEGRATED ELECTRICITY GENERATING DEVICE AND HOT WATER BUFFER TANK

An integrated μCHP electricity generating device and water storage buffer tank is combined into a single system and allows for the simultaneous generation of electric power and the production of hot water in a single system at a minimal foot print and increased energy efficiency. 1. An electricity generating device comprising:a buffer tank comprising a water inlet and a water outlet and having water disposed therein;a micro combined heat and power (μCHP) engine at least partially submerged in the water of said buffer tank, said engine operative to generate electric power and heat water, wherein the water of said buffer tank is arranged to absorb heat from said engine; anda power inverted operative to transfer the electric power from the engine to an external user.2. The electricity generating device according to claim 1 , wherein said engine is fully submerged in the water of said buffer tank.3. The electricity generating device according to claim 1 , wherein said engine is powered by combustion of a fuel.4. The electricity generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a recuperator operative to collect exhaust thermal energy from said engine and transfer said exhaust thermal energy to said buffer tank.5. The electricity generating device according to claim 1 , wherein said engine comprises a Stirling cycle engine.6. The electricity generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the combustion of said fuel is the sole source of heat into the electricity generating device.7. The electricity generating device according to claim 3 , wherein hot flue gas resulting from the combustion of said fuel travels from a burner component of said engine via a helical recuperating heat exchanger into the water of said buffer tank.8. The electricity generating device according to claim 1 , wherein vibrations from said engine are attenuated in the water of said buffer tank and increase convective heat transfer from said engine to the water. This application claims ...

RECIPROCATING MOTION ENGINE

A Stirling refrigerator serves as a reciprocating motion engine and has: a casing; a cylinder arranged within the casing; a piston capable of being reciprocated within the cylinder in a reciprocating direction as being uniaxial; a control circuit electrically controlling movement of the piston; a damping unit provided at one end side of the casing in the reciprocating direction via a first connection part and a second connection part serving as connection parts; and a vibration detection board arranged via an attachment body on the second connection part, said vibration detection board serving as a vibration detector to detect a vibration in the reciprocating direction, caused by the reciprocating movement of the piston, to transmit it to the control circuit. 1. A reciprocating motion engine comprising:a casing;a cylinder arranged within the casing;a piston capable of being reciprocated in one direction within the cylinder;a control circuit to electrically control a movement of the piston;a damping unit provided at a one end side of the casing in said one direction via a connection part; anda vibration detector to detect a vibration in said one direction that is caused by a reciprocating movement of the piston, and then transmit a corresponding detection signal to the control circuit, whereinthe vibration detector is provided at the connection part.2. The reciprocating motion engine according to claim 1 , wherein a dimension of the connection part in a direction orthogonal to said one direction is formed smaller than a dimension of the casing or the damping unit in a direction orthogonal to said one direction.3. The reciprocating motion engine according to claim 1 , wherein an acceleration sensor is utilized in the vibration detector.4. The reciprocating motion engine according to claim 3 , wherein the acceleration sensor has a device element having dimensions that differ from one another in respective detection axis directions among which a detection axis direction ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VAPOR COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION USING A CONDENSER APPARATUS

Various embodiments of a generator system featuring a condenser which converts waste heat from a heat pump into electricity are disclosed herein. 1. A system for harvesting electricity using waste heat from a vapor compression refrigeration system , the system comprising:a heat pump, the heat pump comprising a condenser and wherein the heat pump is operable for drawing heat from an environment and releasing heat at the condenser;one or more Stirling engines in operative association with the heat pump, wherein each Stirling engine of the one or more Stirling engines absorbs heat from the condenser and outputs mechanical work; andone or more alternators in operative engagement with the one or more Stirling engines, wherein each of the one or more alternators is operable for converting mechanical work provided by a respective one of the one or more Stirling engines into electricity.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the heat pump comprises:an evaporator in fluid flow communication with the condenser, wherein the evaporator is configured to draw ambient heat from an environment and store the heat in a refrigerant; anda compressor in fluid flow communication with the evaporator and the condenser, wherein the compressor is configured to compress the refrigerant from the evaporator such that a temperature of refrigerant is increased.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the condenser is in fluid flow communication with the evaporator and the compressor and wherein the condenser is configured to receive a refrigerant from the compressor and condense the refrigerant such that a pressure and temperature of the refrigerant are lowered.4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a radiator in fluid flow communication with the condenser, wherein the radiator is configured to receive the refrigerant from one or more exit valves of the condenser.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein each Stirling engine of the one or more Stirling engines comprises:a cold section in thermal ...

THERMO-ELEVATION PLANT AND METHOD

In some aspects, a thermal elevation system includes a base plant including an evaporator to vaporize a working fluid. A lift conduit is coupled to the base plant and includes multiple lift stages to lift the working fluid in the vapor state. An elevated plant is coupled to the lift conduit and condenses the working fluid at the elevated plant. A power generation conduit is coupled to the elevated plant and flows the working fluid through multiple power generator stages that each generate electrical power. The working fluid may return to the base plant for recirculation. 1. A thermal elevation system , comprising:a base plant comprising an evaporator configured to vaporize a working fluid to a vapor state;a lift conduit comprising a plurality of lift stages, each lift stage configured to lift the working fluid in the vapor state;an elevated plant higher in elevation than the base plant, the elevated plant comprising a condenser configured to condense the working fluid from the vapor state to a liquid state; anda power generation conduit comprising a plurality of power generation stages, each power generation stage configured to generate electrical power using working fluid in the liquid state down-flowing from the elevated plant to the base plant.2. The thermal elevation system of claim 1 , the lift stages each comprising a thermal heater to heat the working fluid in the vapor state.3. The thermal elevation system of claim 1 , a plurality of the lift stages each comprising:a thermal heater to heat the working fluid in the vapor state; anda vapor pump to move the working fluid upwardly in the lift conduit in the vapor state.4. The thermal elevation system of claim 1 , the working fluid comprising a fluorocarbon.5. The thermal elevation system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more of the lift stages coupled to one or more of the power generation stages claim 1 , the lift stages configured to use waste heat generated by the power stages for heating the working ...

COMPRESSOR AND/OR EXPANDER DEVICE

Systems and methods for operating a hydraulically actuated device/system are described herein. For example, systems and methods for the compression and/or expansion of gas can include at least one pressure vessel defining an interior region for retaining at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas and an actuator coupled to and in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a first mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved to compress and move gas out of the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a second mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved by an expanding gas entering the pressure vessel. The system can further include a heat transfer device configured to transfer heat to or from the at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas retained by the pressure vessel. 122.-. (canceled)23. A compressed gas energy storage system comprising:a hydraulic vessel adapted to contain a heat transfer liquid and comprising a piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement;a pressure vessel fluidically coupled to the hydraulic vessel and adapted to contain the heat transfer liquid and a gas in direct contact; and 'wherein the piston is moveable in a first direction to displace at least some of the heat transfer liquid from the hydraulic vessel to the pressure vessel to contact a surface of the heat transfer device and compress gas in the pressure vessel.', 'a heat transfer device coupled to and disposed within the pressure vessel,'}24. The system of claim 23 , wherein the pressure vessel is a first pressure vessel claim 23 , the system further comprising a second pressure vessel fluidically coupled to the hydraulic vessel and adapted to contain the heat transfer liquid and a gas in direct contact.25. The system of claim 24 , wherein the first and second pressure vessels are coupled to the hydraulic vessel on opposite sides of the piston. ...

Energy Recovery System for a Mobile Machine

The disclosure is directed to an energy recovery system for a mobile machine The energy recovery system may include a tank configured to store a liquid fuel for combustion within an engine of the mobile machine, and a first reservoir configured to receive gaseous fuel formed in the tank. The energy recovery system may also include a conduit disposed around the tank that may be fluidly connected to the first reservoir. The energy recovery system may also include a second reservoir fluidly connected to the conduit, and an energy recovery configured to generate work utilizing a temperature gradient between gaseous fuel disposed within the first and second reservoirs.

Rotating heat exchanger/bypass combo

A system is provided. The system includes at least two heat exchangers that are alternatively cooled by an outlet medium. The system also includes a cooling circuit that provides a cooling medium to the at least two heat exchangers. The cooling circuit provides the cooling medium to a first heat exchanger of the at least two heat exchangers in accordance with a first mode. The cooling circuit provide the cooling medium to a second heat exchanger of the at least two heat exchangers in accordance with a second mode.

DOUBLE-ACTING FREE-PISTON-STIRLING CYCLE MACHINE WITH LINEAR GENERATOR

A free-piston Stirling cycle engine includes a hermetically sealed pressure housing with a working section and at least one displacement section adjacent to the working section. At least one working piston, which forms part of a linear generator, is movably arranged in the interior of the working section and a regenerator is arranged in the at least one displacement section such that mechanical work can be performed by the working piston when the pressure housing is filled with a working gas and under the influence of a temperature difference between the displacement section with an elevated temperature and the remainder of the pressure housing with a lower temperature and the mechanical work can be converted into electrical energy by the linear generator. 1. A Stirling engine comprising a hermetically sealed pressure housing with a working section and at least one displacement section adjacent to the working section , wherein at least one working piston , which forms part of a linear generator , is movably arranged in the interior of the pressure housing in the working section and a regenerator is arranged in the at least one displacement section such that mechanical work can be performed by the working piston when the pressure housing is filled with a working gas and under the influence of a temperature difference between the displacement section with an elevated temperature and the remainder of the pressure housing with a lower temperature and said mechanical work can be converted into electrical energy by the linear generator ,whereina second displacement section with a regenerator is arranged in the same pressure housing at a distance from the working section and the first displacement section such that the displacement sections are arranged directly adjacent to both sides of the working section along a longitudinal axis, wherein the two regenerators are permanently magnetic or comprise a permanent magnet and functionally connected to induction coils, which ...

THERMOACOUSTIC ENGINE, AND DESIGNING METHOD FOR THERMOACOUSTIC ENGINE

Disclosed are a thermoacoustic engine with high conversion efficiency from heat energy to acoustic energy and a designing method for the thermoacoustic engine. A stack of the thermoacoustic engine has a plurality of flow passages extending through a thermoacoustic piping section. A hot heat exchanger is coupled to one end in a longitudinal direction of the stack. A cold heat exchanger is coupled to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the stack. And a length in the longitudinal direction of the hot heat exchanger is greater than a length in the longitudinal direction of the stack, and is greater than a length in the longitudinal direction of the cold heat exchanger. 1. A thermoacoustic engine incorporated in a thermoacoustic piping section in which a working gas is enclosed and sealed , the thermoacoustic engine comprising:a stack having a plurality of flow passages extending through the thermoacoustic piping section in a longitudinal direction of the thermoacoustic piping section;a hot heat exchanger coupled to one end in a longitudinal direction of the stack, the hot heat exchanger having an internal space for hot heat exchanging communicating with the plurality of flow passages and extending through the hot heat exchanger in the longitudinal direction, and adapted to heat the working gas in the internal space for hot heat exchanging; anda cold heat exchanger coupled to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the stack, the cold heat exchanger having an internal space for cold heat exchanging communicating with the plurality of flow passages and extending through the cold heat exchanger in the longitudinal direction, and adapted to cool the working gas in the internal space for cold heat exchanging, whereina length in the longitudinal direction of the hot heat exchanger is greater than a length in the longitudinal direction of the stack, and is greater than a length in the longitudinal direction of the cold heat exchanger.2. The thermoacoustic ...

VIBRATION REDUCTION DEVICE

A vibration reduction device () including: a counterweight () provided to a crankshaft () of a Stirling engine (); and an electric balancer () being attached to a crankcase () and including a balance weight () rotated by an electric motor (). An inertial force of the counterweight () is set to approximately a half of a combined inertial force of pistons (). Inertial force of balance weight×L2=½×combined inertial force of pistons×L1 is satisfied when a mass of the balance weight is set, where L1 denotes a distance between a vibration reduction target position and a rotation center (O) of the crankshaft (), and L2 denotes a distance between the vibration reduction target position and a rotation center (O) of the balance weight (). 1. A vibration reduction device comprising:a counterweight provided to a crankshaft driven by a reciprocating movement of a piston of a reciprocating engine; anda balancer including a balance shaft driven independently from the crankshaft and a balance weight that is provided to the balance shaft and is integrally rotatable with the balance shaft, whereina center line of the balance shaft and a center line of the crankshaft are substantially in parallel to each other, and a virtual plane including the center lines is substantially perpendicular to a center line of the piston.2. A vibration reduction device comprising:a counterweight provided to a crankshaft driven by a reciprocating movement of a piston of a reciprocating engine; anda balancer including a balance shaft driven independently from the crankshaft and a balance weight that is provided to the balance shaft and is integrally rotatable with the balance shaft, whereinan inertial force of the counterweight is set at approximately a half of a combined inertial force of the piston, and {'br': None, 'i': L', 'L, 'inertial force of balance weight×2=½×combined inertial force of pistons×1'}, 'a mass of the balance weight is set so that the following formula is establishedwhere L1 denotes a ...

Scroll heating device

A scroll heating device includes a base, a reaction region, and a first and a second channel. The reaction region is at the center of the base. The two channels are located on the base and extend spirally from the reaction region toward the periphery of the base. The width of each channel is gradually reduced as the channel extends from adjacent to the center of the base toward the periphery of the base. The first channel allows a gas that flows into the first channel through the periphery of the base toward the center of the base to flow toward the reaction region at a progressively slower rate, enter the reaction region slowly through the gradually widening first channel, and therefore stay in the reaction region for longer. The combusted exhaust enters the second channel from adjacent to the center of the base and exits through the periphery of the base.

PRESSURE POWER SYSTEM

The invention relates to energy conversion and generation systems, and more specifically, to a system and method of generating and converting energy by way of a pressure differential in a working fluid. A Pressure Power System is described comprising a cold sub-system, a warm sub-system, a work extraction system, and a hydraulic pump arranged in a closed loop. The cold sub-system and the warm sub-system are respectively maintained at lower and higher temperatures relative to one another, so that a Working Fluid circulated through the closed loop by the pump, will have different equilibrium vapor pressures in the two sub-systems. The different respective state functions of the Working Fluid results in two different levels of elastic potential energy, and subsequently, a pressure differential between the two sub-systems. A work extraction system is positioned between the two sub-systems to convert the elastic potential energy/pressure differential into useful kinetic energy. 1. A Pressure Power System comprising:a cold sub-system;a warm sub-system;a work extraction system; anda hydraulic pump;said cold sub-system, said warm sub-system, said work extraction system, and said hydraulic pump being arranged in a closed loop;said cold sub-system and said warm sub-system being respectively maintained at lower and higher temperatures relative to one another;a Working Fluid circulating cyclically in said closed loop between said cold sub-system and a warm sub-system, said Working Fluid having different equilibrium vapor pressures in said cold sub-system and said warm sub-system, according to the respective state function, representing two different levels of elastic potential energy which results in a pressure differential between said cold sub-system and said warm sub-system;said work extraction system being positioned between the outlet of said warm sub-system and the inlet of said cold sub-system, and being operable to convert said elastic potential energy/pressure ...

Closed Cycle Regenerative Heat Engines

A closed cycle regenerative heat engine has a housing () defining a chamber (). A displacer () is housed in the chamber. A shaft () is connected with the displacer and extends from the chamber. A power piston () is housed in the chamber. The displacer () is secured to the housing () and is resiliently deformable from a rest condition in response to movement of the shaft () to displace the working fluid in the chamber. 1. A closed cycle regenerative heat engine comprising:a housing defining a chamber;a resiliently deformable displacer housed in said chamber;a shaft connected with said resiliently deformable displacer; anda movable member housed in said chamber,wherein said resiliently deformable displacer comprises an elongate resilient strip that has a first end connected with said shaft, a second end connected with said housing and winds about said shaft;wherein said resiliently deformable displacer is deformable in response to movement of said shaft to displace a working fluid between respective heating and cooling locations in said chamber at which heat is input to said working fluid and said working fluid is cooled, andsaid movable member is in sealing engagement with said housing and movable in response to pressure changes of said working fluid caused by said heating and cooling of said working fluid to provide a mechanical power output.2. (canceled)3. A closed cycle regenerative heat engine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said housing comprises a first housing portion at which claim 1 , in use claim 1 , heat is input to said chamber from an external source to heat said heating location claim 1 , a second housing portion at which claim 1 , in use claim 1 , heat is rejected from chamber to cool said cooling location and a thermally insulating portion disposed intermediate said first and second housing portions.4. A closed cycle regenerative heat engine as claimed in claim 3 , wherein said wall to which said resiliently deformable displacer is secured is defined ...

A THERMODYNAMIC MACHINE

A thermodynamic machine, comprising: a rotor, configured to rotate about a rotor axis, a working fluid circulation path and a coolant fluid path formed within the rotor, the coolant fluid path fluidically isolated from the working fluid circulation path, the working fluid circulation path spanning radially from the rotor axis to close to the periphery of the rotor; a working fluid circulation drive configured to drive the circulation of a working fluid about the working fluid circulation path; at least one working fluid cooler heat exchanger formed as part of the working fluid circulation path and the coolant fluid path, in use coolant fluid passing through the working fluid cooler heat exchanger to transfer heat from the working fluid to the coolant fluid, and; a working fluid heater in the working fluid circulation path configured to heat a working fluid circulating around the working fluid circulation path. 1206.-. (canceled)207. A thermodynamic machine , comprising:a rotor, configured to rotate about a rotor axis in use, a working fluid circulation path and at least one coolant fluid path formed within the rotor, the coolant fluid path fluidically isolated from the working fluid circulation path, the working fluid circulation path spanning substantially radially from at or near the rotor axis to close to the periphery of the rotor, the working fluid circulation path sealed at least within the rotor;a working fluid circulation drive configured to drive the circulation of a working fluid about the working fluid circulation path;at least one working fluid cooler heat exchanger formed as part of the working fluid circulation path and the coolant fluid path, and configured so that in use coolant fluid passing through the working fluid cooler heat exchanger is in close proximity to working fluid so that heat is transferred from the working fluid to the coolant fluid;at least one working fluid heater formed as part of the working fluid circulation path within the rotor ...

Method and Apparatus for Generating Electricity Utilizing Heat from Enclosed Flares and Other Combustors

A system for electricity generation using heat contained in exhaust gas from a combustor (enclosed flare) to drive an external combustion Stirling cycle engine which directly drives at least one alternator or generator. A battery is connected to the alternator or generator through a divider circuit followed by a filter circuit. Electric power distribution circuits are electrically connected to output circuits of the alternators or generators for consumption of the electric power on-site, for sale to a commercial electric power distribution grid, or for any other desired uses. 1. A power generation apparatus for using the heat from exhaust gases from a combustor or enclosed flare to generate electricity comprising:a) at least one electric alternator configured to produce electrical current and having an output node;b) a Stirling engine configured to drive said at least one alternator; andc) a platform for supporting said Stirling engine and said at least one alternator, wherein said Stirling engine is exposed to heat from said exhaust gases in order to actuate said Stirling engine.2. The power generation apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a divider circuit electrically connected to said output node of said at least one alternator claim 1 , wherein said divider circuit comprises a current divider circuit and a voltage divider circuit.3. The power generation apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:a) a battery electrically connected to said divider circuit; andb) an electric starter electrically connected to said battery and said Stirling engine.4. The power generation apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said divider circuit limits charging current and voltage from said at least one alternator to said battery claim 3 , and distributes any remaining electric power generated from at least one alternator to an external power grid.5. The power generation apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one heat shield at least partially disposed between said exhaust ...

STIRLING ENGINE FOR AN EMISSION-FREE AIRCRAFT

Aircraft with an emission-free drive and method for emission-free driving of an aircraft. The aircraft includes an aircraft thruster structured and arranged to generate thrust force on the aircraft, an aircraft lift device structured and arranged to generate lift on the aircraft, and a heat engine, which is structured and arranged to convert thermal energy into kinetic energy to drive the aircraft thruster, that includes at least one flat-plate Stirling engine drivable by solar thermal radiation. 1. An aircraft with an emission-free drive , comprising:an aircraft thruster structured and arranged to generate thrust force on the aircraft;an aircraft lift device structured and arranged to generate lift on the aircraft; anda heat engine, which is structured and arranged to convert thermal energy into kinetic energy to drive the aircraft thruster, comprising at least one flat-plate Stirling engine drivable by solar thermal radiation.2. The aircraft according to claim 1 , wherein the aircraft lift device comprises a wing with an airfoil section structured and arranged to generate lift claim 1 , and the flat-plate Stirling engine is arranged in the wing.3. The aircraft according to claim 1 , the flat-plate Stirling engine comprising:a working chamber filled with a working gas and having a top and an underside and a changeable working volume;a displacer structured and arranged to be moveable in the working chamber between the top and the underside;a regenerator structured and arranged in the working chamber to collect and deliver thermal energy contained in the working gas;a working piston connected to change a working volume of the working chamber;a rotatable inertia element comprising at least one of a propeller or a flywheel;a drive structured and arranged to be connectable to the inertia element to drive the aircraft thruster; anda transmission structured and arranged to mechanically couple the displacer and the working piston with the inertia element,wherein the ...

VACUUM PUMP

A vacuum pump comprises: a pump main body; a heater provided at the pump main body; a power source device configured to supply power to the pump main body; a cooler provided between the pump main body and the power source device; a connection plate provided between the pump main body and the cooler; a first heat insulating plate arranged between the cooler and the connection plate; and a second heat insulating plate arranged between the pump main body and the connection plate. 1. A vacuum pump comprising:a pump main body;a heater provided at the pump main body;a power source device configured to supply power to the pump main body;a cooler provided between the pump main body and the power source device;a connection plate provided between the pump main body and the cooler;a first heat insulating plate arranged between the cooler and the connection plate; anda second heat insulating plate arranged between the pump main body and the connection plate.2. The vacuum pump according to claim 1 , whereinat least one of the cooler or the connection plate has a first fit-in region in which the first heat insulating plate is fitted,a first clearance is formed between the cooler and the connection plate, anda thickness of the first heat insulating plate is greater than a thickness of the first clearance.3. The vacuum pump according to claim 1 , whereinat least one of the pump main body or the connection plate has a second fit-in region in which the second heat insulating plate is fitted,a second clearance is formed between the pump main body and the connection plate, anda thickness of the second heat insulating plate is greater than a thickness of the second clearance.4. The vacuum pump according to claim 1 , whereinthe pump main body has a first surface facing the connection plate and has an outer peripheral surface,the cooler has a second surface facing the connection plate,the connection plate has, as viewed in a first direction perpendicular to the first surface, a protruding ...

METHOD FOR FABRICATING DILUTION HOLES IN CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE COMBUSTOR PANELS

A heat shield panel for use in a combustor of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. In various embodiments, the heat shield panel includes an inner base layer, an outer base layer, and a grommet having a flange disposed between the inner base layer and the outer base layer. 1. A heat shield panel for use in a combustor of a gas turbine engine , comprising:an inner base layer;an outer base layer; anda grommet having a flange disposed between the inner base layer and the outer base layer.2. The heat shield panel of claim 1 , wherein the grommet includes an orifice that defines a centerline and a boss portion disposed about the centerline.3. The heat shield panel of claim 2 , wherein the flange extends outward of the centerline from an outer surface of the boss portion.4. The heat shield panel of claim 2 , wherein the boss portion is disposed radially about the centerline and wherein the flange extends radially outward of the centerline from a radially outer surface of the boss portion.5. The heat shield panel of claim 3 , wherein the flange includes an inner face configured for contact with the inner base layer and an outer face configured for contact with the outer base layer.6. The heat shield panel of claim 5 , wherein the inner base layer includes an inner base layer aperture configured to receive an inner boss wall of the radially outer surface of the boss portion.7. The heat shield panel of claim 6 , wherein the outer base layer includes an outer base layer aperture configured to receive an outer boss wall of the radially outer surface of the boss portion.8. The heat shield panel of claim 7 , wherein the flange defines an inner face radial extent and wherein an inner face surface normal is substantially parallel to the centerline from proximate the radially outer surface of the boss portion to proximate the inner face radial extent.9. The heat shield panel of claim 7 , wherein the flange defines an outer face radial extent and wherein an outer face surface normal ...

Membrane stirling engine

The invention relates to a Membrane Stirling Engine. The inventors propose a Membrane Stirling Engine, with working gas, with a hot part and with a cold part, where the working gas of the Stirling engine is found both in its hot part as well as its cold part in the membrane skins, which have two ends, whereby they are closed on one end hermetically and on the other end they are open, where they lead into the hot or cold space of a regenerator chamber with their open end tightly sealed.

Hot air engine/heat pump

A closed cycle heat engine having working fluid sealed between pistons of different diameters, that are connected by a piston rod, within cylinders that create air tight seals with the pistons. It can also be used as a heat pump. 1. A dosed cycle heat engine comprising: working fluid , sealed between multiple pistons of different diameters that are connected by a piston rod; thermally conductive cylinders of diameters that create air tight seals with the pistons; and a means of converting reciprocating motion to do useful work.2. The closed cycle heat engine of claim 1 , wherein said cylinders that have pistons exposed to external air claim 1 , are cooled externally and internally by external air.3. The closed cycle heat engine of claim 1 , wherein said pistons are driven claim 1 , causing it to act as a heat pump. Cross-Reference to U.S. provisional application No. 62/285,539, Hot air engine/heat pump, filing date Nov. 2, 2015 is made here and in the application data sheet.Not ApplicableNot ApplicableHot air engines have been around for a long time. They work by using the expansion and contraction of air under the influence of a temperature change to convert thermal energy into mechanical work. Wikipedia has a hot air engine page. The main problem with closed cycle hot air engines is the power to weight ratio.This hot air engine/heat pump is a dosed cycle, external combustion engine, which could also be used as a heat pump. It has working fluid sealed between pistons of different diameters that are connected together by a piston rod, in cylinders with diameters to fit the pistons. The mode of operation with three pistons and cylinders as shown in the drawing, should have a higher power to weight ratio than other dosed cycle hot air engines, due to the heat source continuously heating working fluid and cooling cylinders which are cooled internally and externally by external air.This hot air engine/heat pump, of the dosed cycle type, is comprised of pistons of ...

Regenerator

Regenerators for Stirling engines and Vuilleumier heat pumps are difficult to reliably manufacture. A regenerator is disclosed in which edges of the regenerator wire meshes are coated with a stabilizing material. The regenerator wire meshes are then sufficiently stable to be machined to the dimensions of the housing. In some embodiments, the material on the outer surface of the edges of the regenerator is relatively thermally insulating to limit heat transfer to the housing. 1. A regenerator , comprising:a plurality of wire mesh layers forming a three-dimensional volume wherein each layer has a substantially similar cross-sectional shape and the plurality of wire mesh layers lying in mutually parallel planes; and the sides are machined to a desired shape and surface finish; and', a woven fabric of wires;', 'a random, substantially planar layer of wires; and', 'a planar, non-woven, regular pattern of wires., 'the wire mesh layers comprise at least one of], 'a material applied to sides of the regenerator, the sides being perpendicular to the mutually parallel planes of the wire mesh layers wherein2. The regenerator of wherein the material is added via one of: plasma spraying and thermal spraying.3. The regenerator of wherein:the material applied to the sides is one of a liquid paste and a powder:the liquid paste is one of: a liquid metal that is liquid due to being at high temperature and a braze paste that includes metallic particles and a solvent with the solvent driven off via heating the regenerator; andthe powder forms a solid when cooled after heating to a predetermined temperature.4. The regenerator of wherein the material is applied by an electrochemical plating process.5. The regenerator of wherein the material is a relative thermal insulator having a thermal conductivity less than about 30 W/m-K.6. The regenerator of claim 1 , further comprising:a coating applied to the material on the sides of the regenerator, the coating having a thermal conductivity much ...

A STIRLING ENGINE

A Stirling engine has a housing containing a displacer and a power piston arranged to reciprocate relatively to one another. A head is adjacent to the displacer to absorb heat, and is surrounded by a block of copper or aluminium. A substantial proportion of the block is clad with a layer of stainless steel or Inconel having a thickness of between 3 mm and 0.15 mm. 1. A Stirling engine comprising a housing containing a displacer and a power piston arranged to reciprocate relatively to one another , a head adjacent to the displacer to absorb heat , the head being surrounded by a block of copper or aluminium , a substantial proportion of the block being clad with a layer of stainless steel or Inconel having a thickness of between 3 mm and 0.15 mm.2. An engine according to claim 1 , wherein the block has a maximum distance from the outermost surface to the closest part of the housing of greater than lcm.3. An engine according to claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the cladding layer is 1 mm to 0.5 mm.4. An engine according to claim 1 , wherein the block has a substantially frustoconical shape claim 1 , arranged coaxially with the head and with the wider end of the block furthest from the head where it provides a circular face.5. An engine according to claim 4 , wherein only the circular face of the block at the wider end is clad.6. An engine according to claim 5 , wherein the conical face of the block is brazed with nickel.7. An engine according to claim 1 , wherein the block has a substantially cylindrical shape arranged coaxially with the head.8. An engine according to claim 7 , wherein top and/or the side faces of the block are clad.9. An engine according to claim 1 , wherein the engine is a free piston engine.10. An engine according to claim 1 , wherein the engine is a linear engine.11. A combination of an engine according to claim 1 , with a biomass claim 1 , waste heat or solar heat source arranged to supply heat to the head via the block and cladding. The present ...

WORKING CYLINDER FOR AN ENERGY CONVERTER

A working cylinder is provided, comprising at least one disc-like displacer () rotatably supported in a cylindrical block (), which displacer () is arranged between two annular flanges () extending radially inwards from said block () on each sides of said displacer () such that said displacer () will be arranged in parallel with said flanges () upon rotation, wherein at least one of said flanges () comprises a plurality of sections including a first section () having a first temperature, a second section () having a second temperature being lower than said first temperature, and two insulating sections () completely preventing contact between said first section () and said second section (), and wherein said displacer () comprises a cutout () for rotating a volume of working fluid across the sections (), which cutout is dimensioned such that for every rotational position it does not overlap the first section () and the second section () at the same time. 1. A working cylinder , comprisingat least one disc-like displacer rotatably supported in a cylindrical block, which displacer is arranged between two annular flanges extending radially inwards from said block on each sides of said displacer such that said displacer will be arranged in parallel with said flanges upon rotation, whereinat least one of said flanges comprises a plurality of sections including a first section having a first temperature, a second section having a second temperature being lower than said first temperature, and two insulating sections completely preventing contact between said first section and said second section, and whereinsaid displacer comprises a cutout for rotating a volume of working fluid across the sections, which cutout is dimensioned such that for every rotational position it does not overlap the first section and the second section at the same time.2. The cylinder according to claim 1 , wherein said cutout has an extension area in the transversal plane enclosable along all ...

HEAT ENGINE

A heat engine includes two kinds of thermodynamic cycles, wherein a thermodynamic cycle is composed of four processes: an isothermal exothermic compression process, an isochoric endothermic heating process, an isothermal endothermic expansion process and an isochoric exothermic cooling process, and the thermodynamic cycle is composed of two loops, and the structure thereof includes a cylinder # a cylinder # a cylinder # a turbo expander or a double-shaft double-acting cylinder and an airproof container; and a thermodynamic cycle is composed of three processes: an isothermal endothermic expansion and working process, an isobaric exothermic compression process and an isochoric endothermic heating process, and the thermodynamic cycle is composed of two loops, and the structure thereof includes a heat insulating cylinder # a heat insulating cylinder # a condenser # a condenser # a cylinder #, a turbo expander or a double-shaft double-acting cylinder and an airproof container. 1111231231232212123123123. A heat engine , wherein the heat engine uses air , water or a refrigerant as a working substance , comprising two kinds of thermodynamic cycles , each of which is able to output power , wherein a thermodynamic cycle is similar to the Stirling cycle and is composed of four processes: an isothermal exothermic compression process , an isochoric endothermic heating process , an isothermal endothermic expansion process and an isochoric exothermic cooling process , the thermodynamic cycle is composed of two loops , and the structure thereof comprises a cylinder # , a cylinder # , a cylinder # , a turbo expander or a double-shaft double-acting cylinder , a heat exchanger , a pressure control valve , a temperature control valve , an electric heater and an airproof container , the working substance is subjected to the isochoric exothermic cooling process in the cylinder # and the cylinder # , and is then subjected to the isothermal exothermic compression process by virtue of the ...

FREE-PISTON TYPE STIRLING ENGINE

A free-piston type stirling engine includes a power piston which partitions the inside of a case into a work space and a bounce space a displacer a communication hole provided in the power piston a displacer rod extending from the displacer and passing through the communication hole a first displacer supporting spring elastically supporting the displacer rod at its proximal end, and a second displacer supporting spring elastically supporting the displacer rod at its distal end. The power piston and the displacer reciprocate along a central axis X of the case with a phase difference therebetween by expansion and compression of a working gas in the work space and bias forces of the first displacer supporting spring and the second displacer supporting spring restrict tilting of the displacer and the displacer rod with respect to the central axis X. 1. A free-piston type stirling engine comprising:a case charged with a working gas;a power piston which partitions the inside of the case into a first space and a second space;a displacer arranged in the first space;a communication hole provided in the power piston, which communicates the first space with the second space along a predetermined axis;a displacer rod extending from the displacer into the second space along the predetermined axis and passing through the communication hole;a first elastic supporting member arranged in the first space and elastically supporting at least one of the displacer and the displacer rod at its proximal end in the case; anda second elastic supporting member arranged in the second space and elastically supporting the displacer rod at its distal end in the case,wherein the communication hole permits movement of the displacer rod with the first space and the second space maintained in their airtight state,wherein the power piston and the displacer reciprocate along the predetermined axis with a predetermined phase difference therebetween, by means of the working gas in the first space being ...

HEAT MEDIUM CIRCULATION STRUCTURE AND HOT WATER TEMPERATURE CONTROL METHOD FOR MICRO COMBINED HEAT AND POWER GENERATOR

The present invention provides a heat medium circulation structure for a micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) generator in which a heat medium that primarily looses heat by undergoing heat exchange with water in a hot-water tank and thus has a low temperature further performs heat exchange with low-temperature direct water supplied through a direct water line, thereby further loosing heat, in a return line heat exchanger, and then returns to a stirling engine through a heat medium return line, thereby effectively cooling a low temperature portion of the stirling engine. Thus, the heat medium circulation structure enables high electricity production efficiency. Further provided is a hot water temperature control method for a micro-CHP generator in which the consumption of hot water is detected by a flow sensor. First and second predetermined temperatures are defined to operate a stirling engine in the case of temperature droppings of hot water respectively due to natural radiation and consumption of hot water. 1. A heat medium circulation structure for a micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) generator , the structure comprising:{'b': 110', '120', '300', '130, 'a stirling engine () that produces electricity using a temperature difference between a high temperature of an engine head which is heated by an engine burner () and a low temperature of a heat medium which returns from a hot water tank () through a heat medium return line ();'}{'b': 210', '110, 'a sensible heat exchanger () disposed at one side of the stirling engine ();'}{'b': 300', '110', '210', '160, 'the hot water tank () that receives the heat medium which is heated to a high temperature by the stirling engine () and the sensible heat exchanger () and is then supplied thereto through a heat medium supply line (), and allows the high-temperature heat medium to perform heat-exchange with water stored therein; and'}{'b': 140', '300', '300', '150', '130, 'a direct water line () through which direct ...

RADIANT HEAT RECOVERY HEATER, AND STIRLING ENGINE AND COMBUSTION FURNACE USING RADIANT HEAT RECOVERY HEATER

A radiant heat recovery heater includes U-shaped heat transfer tubes each including a first path and a second path arranged on a mounting section. The U-shaped heat transfer tubes are housed in a container fixed to the mounting section. The first paths and the second paths of the U-shaped heat transfer tubes are arranged on the mounting section at equal intervals with a pitch angle θ. The first paths are each arranged on the mounting section at a position offset from the pitch angle θ for the associated second path by a predetermined angle α, so as not to completely overlap a projection of that second path, the projection extending from the container toward the center C of the container. 1. A radiant heat recovery heater comprising a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged on a mounting section of the radiant heat recovery heater , the heat transfer tubes each comprising an outward path and a return path for a heat medium , wherein:first paths are arranged to form an arrangement pitch circle having a small diameter, and second paths are arranged to form an arrangement pitch circle having a large diameter;the heat transfer tubes are housed in a container;the heat transfer tubes absorb radiant heat from the container when the container is exposed to high temperature;the first paths and the second paths of the heat transfer tubes are arranged on the mounting section at equal intervals with a pitch angle; andthe first paths are each arranged on the mounting section at a position offset from the pitch angle of the associated second path by half the pitch angle, so as not to completely overlap a projection of that second path, the projection extending from the container toward a center of the container.2. The radiant heat recovery heater according to claim 1 , wherein the first paths are each arranged on the mounting section at a position offset from the associated second path by an angle that is half the pitch angle.3. A radiant heat recovery heater comprising a ...

DEVICE FOR THERMAL COMPRESSION OF A GASEOUS FLUID

A device for compressing a gaseous fluid includes a first chamber thermally coupled with a hot source, a second chamber thermally coupled with a cold source, a movable piston moved by a rod, and a regenerating exchanger establishing fluid communication between the first and second chambers. The rod is arranged in a cylindrical socket and guided in axial translation by a linear guiding system such as to guide the piston without contact relative to the sleeve. A sealing ring attached to the cylindrical socket surrounds the rod with a very low radial clearance, in order to limit the passage of the gaseous fluid along the mobile rod. Also disclosed is an integral cold casing having machined boreholes, a thermal screen in the hot casing, and a self-driving system with a resilient return means. 1. A device for thermal compression of a gaseous fluid , comprising:an inlet for the gaseous fluid to be compressed and an outlet for the gaseous fluid in compressed form,a work enclosure containing the gaseous fluid,a first chamber thermally coupled with a heat source adapted to provide heat to the gaseous fluid,a second chamber thermally coupled with a cold source in order to transfer heat from the gaseous fluid to the cold source,a piston mounted so as to be movable along an axial direction within a cylindrical sleeve and separating the first chamber and second chamber inside said work enclosure, the piston being moved by a rod integral with the piston,a regenerative heat exchanger and communication channels placing the first and second chambers in fluid communication, wherein the rod is arranged within a cylindrical socket integral with the work enclosure, and the rod is guided in axial translation by a linear guiding system so as to guide the piston without contact with the sleeve, anda cylindrical sealing ring attached within the cylindrical socket and surrounding the rod with a radial clearance of between 2 and 20 μm, in order to greatly limit passage of the gaseous fluid ...

REGENERATOR

A regenerator is provided, which may a hollow pipe body, a first mesh portion, a second mesh portion and a third mesh portion. The first mesh portion may be disposed inside the hollow pipe body and at the rear portion of the hollow pipe body. The second mesh portion may be disposed inside the hollow pipe body and at the central portion of the hollow pipe body, and connected to the first mesh portion. The third mesh section may be disposed inside the hollow pipe body and at the front portion of the hollow pipe body, and connected to the second mesh portion. The mesh number of the first mesh portion, the mesh number of the second mesh portion and the mesh number of the third mesh portion may be increased from the rear portion to the front portion of the hollow pipe body. 1. A regenerator , comprising:a hollow pipe body;a first mesh portion, disposed inside the hollow pipe body and at a rear portion of the hollow pipe body;a second mesh portion, disposed inside and at a central portion of the hollow pipe body, and connected to the first mesh portion; anda third mesh portion, disposed inside and at a front portion of the hollow pipe body, and connected to the second mesh portion;wherein a mesh number of the first mesh portion, a mesh number of the second mesh portion and a mesh number of the third mesh portion are increased from the rear portion to the front portion of the hollow pipe body.2. The regenerator of claim 1 , wherein there is a highest common factor of the mesh number of the first mesh portion claim 1 , the mesh number of the second mesh portion and the mesh number of the third mesh portion.3. The regenerator of claim 2 , wherein the mesh number of the first mesh portion claim 2 , the mesh number of the second mesh portion and the mesh number of the third mesh portion are increased from the rear portion to the front portion of the hollow pipe body on a basis of an arithmetic sequence claim 2 , wherein a common difference of the arithmetic sequence is the ...

SOLAR AIR CONDITIONING HEAT PUMP WITH MINIMIZED DEAD VOLUME

A method and apparatus that reduces the dead volume in a heat engine or heat pump, such as a duplex Stirling or Vuilleumier cycle device, by nesting the components of the displacer and regenerator such that nearly all working fluid is purged from the interstices of the regenerator elements and all other working fluid spaces that are not involved in doing useful work at each portion of the cycle. Particularly, a more scalable and efficient method and apparatus for providing solar air conditioning or refrigeration by means of a heated cylinder that alternately pressurizes and depressurizes a separate cooling cylinder by directly transferring thermally induced pressure changes to that cooling cylinder at optimized times in the cycle, under the control of a numerically controlled actuation system that can cycle at a much lower rate than mechanically coupled or harmonically phased systems. 1. A Stirling cycle device comprising: 'an approximately planar sheet of solid material having holes for passing working fluid and having a surface geometry that is received within a complementary surface geometry of each similar adjacent heat exchanging regenerator element, such that said holes are substantially closed and interstitial spaces are substantially filled with the solid material of adjacent heat exchanging regenerator elements when the surfaces of adjacent heat exchanging regenerator elements are', 'a plurality of heat-exchanging regenerator elements, each of said plurality of heat-exchanging regenerator elements comprisingsubstantially fully engaged with each other so that substantially all working fluid is purged from the interstitial spaces of the heat-exchanging regenerator elements at least once during each full cycle of the device.2. A Stirling cycle device as recited in claim 1 , further comprising:at least one pressure cylinder containing said plurality of heat-exchanging regenerator elements therein, said pressure cylinder having a heat conducting head on each end ...

Annular Venturi Burner for Stirling Engine

An annular venturi burner assembly and Stirling engine. The annular venturi burner injects fuel into combustion air flowing axial through an port with an annular cross section. The fuel enters the annular cross-section from the outside diameter. The flow of air through the annular section creates suction that draws the fuel through the ports. An venturi bushing directs the flow of fuel to provides improved and more uniform mixing of fuel and air. 1. A heating element for heating an external combustion engine or machine comprising:a burner element for heating the working fluid of the engine;a blower providing air or other gas for facilitating ignition and combustion in the burner;a preheater defining an incoming air passage and an exhaust passage separated by an exhaust manifold wall for heating incoming air from the hot exhaust expelled from the heating element;fuel injector for supplying fuel;an igniter to ignite the fuel/air mixture;a venturi for receiving the heated incoming air and drawing in fuel from the fuel injector and directing the flow of the fuel/air mixture near the ignitor;a combustion chamber disposed linearly below the prechamber to receive the fuel/air mixture from the venturi and for supporting a flame; andwherein the fuel injector supplies fuel to an annulus that is coaxial with the venturi and directs the fuel along the outer wall of the venturi.2. A heating element as set forth in wherein the ignitor is a hot surface ignitor oriented coaxially in the center of the venturi.3. A heating element as set forth in further comprising a flame detector in the combustion chamber wherein the flame signal passes through a conduit to the exterior of the heating element.4. A heating element as set forth in where in the flame signal is an electromagnetic signal.5. A heating element as set forth in where in the flame signal is an electromagnetic signal in the ultra-violet range.6. A heating element as set forth in where in the flame signal is an temperature ...

MONOLITHIC HEAT-EXCHANGER BODIES

A monolithic heat exchanger body for inputting heat to a closed-cycle engine includes heating walls and heat sink, such as heat transfer regions. The heating walls are configured and arranged in an array of spirals or spiral arcs relative to a longitudinal axis of an inlet plenum. Adjacent portions of the heating walls respectively define corresponding heating fluid pathways fluidly communicating with the inlet plenum. At least a portion of the heat sink is disposed about at least a portion of the monolithic heat exchanger body. The heat sink includes working-fluid bodies including working-fluid pathways that have a heat transfer relationship with the heating fluid pathways. Respective ones of the heat transfer regions have a heat transfer relationship with a corresponding semiannular portion of the heating fluid pathways. Respective ones of the heat transfer regions include working-fluid pathways fluidly communicating between a heat input region and a heat extraction region. 1. A monolithic heat exchanger body for inputting heat to a closed-cycle engine , the monolithic heat exchanger body comprising:a plurality of heating walls configured and arranged in an array of spirals or spiral arcs relative to a longitudinal axis of an inlet plenum, wherein adjacent portions of the plurality of heating walls respectively define a corresponding plurality of heating fluid pathways fluidly communicating with the inlet plenum; anda plurality of heat transfer regions, wherein respective ones of the plurality of heat transfer regions have a heat transfer relationship with a corresponding semiannular portion of the plurality of heating fluid pathways, wherein respective ones of the plurality of heat transfer regions comprise a plurality of working-fluid pathways fluidly communicating between a heat input region and a heat extraction region.2. The monolithic heat exchanger body of claim 1 , wherein respective ones of the plurality of heat transfer regions comprise a heat input ...

COOLING FACILITY IN A REACTOR AND ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION SYSTEM

A reactor cooling and power generation system according to the present disclosure may include a reactor vessel, a heat exchange section formed to receive heat generated from a core inside the reactor vessel through a fluid, and an electric power production section including a Sterling engine formed to produce electric energy using the energy of the fluid whose temperature has increased while receiving the heat of the reactor, wherein the system is formed to circulate the fluid that has received heat from the core in the heat exchange section through the electric power production section, and operate even during a normal operation and during an accident of the nuclear power plant to produce electric power. 1. A reactor cooling and power generation system , the system , comprising:a reactor vessel;a heat exchange section formed to receive heat generated from a core inside the reactor vessel through a fluid; andan electric power production section comprising a Sterling engine formed to produce electric energy using the energy of the fluid whose temperature has increased while receiving the heat of the reactor,wherein the system is formed to circulate the fluid that has received heat from the core in the heat exchange section through the electric power production section, and operate even during a normal operation and during an accident of the nuclear power plant to produce electric power.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electric power produced during the normal operation of the nuclear power plant is supplied to an internal and external electric power system and an emergency battery.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the electric energy charged in the emergency battery is formed to supply an emergency electric power as an emergency power source during an accident.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electric power produced during an accident of the nuclear power plant is formed to be supplied to an emergency power source of the nuclear power plant.5. The system ...

STIRLING ENGINE AND METHODS OF OPERATION AND USE

A double acting, miller cycle, reciprocating piston with dual rotary displacer, stirling engine is provided. Configurable as a heat pump, a heat engine, or as a combination with one side driving the other, the engine is completely closed, sealed and pressurized with the piston ring as the only internal seal. A miller cycle is created by allowing transfer of the working fluid (typically hydrogen gas) past the piston to balance working fluid pressure only at the extremes of the piston stroke. Two coordinated rotating displacers service opposite sides of one piston. Each displacer manages heat flow, according it its length and shape, through one side of the length of its encasing tube into and out of the working fluid through the other side of the length of its encasing tube. The dead space between the piston and the displacer holds regenerator material. 1. A double acting stirling engine in which a working fluid exerts force against a reciprocating piston comprising:{'figref': {'@idref': 'DRAWINGS', 'FIG. 1'}, 'an elongated cylindrical heat exchanger connected at right angle, through regenerator material, to the piston cylinder with an elongated rotating displacer, of such mass as to serve as a flywheel, inside said heat exchanger, coordinated with said piston, that moves said working fluid from the heat input side, at which time said working fluid expands and exerts an increase of force on said piston, to the heat extraction side, where said working fluid contracts and reduces the pressure exerted upon said piston, thus completing one cycle while a similar though not necessarily identical heat exchanger and displacer perform the same sequence against the second side of said piston 180 degrees out of phase such that each direction of said piston is productive with said parts arranged according to .'}247-. (canceled) This is a continuation-in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/411,630, titled “Stirling Engine,” filed 2 May 2012, published as U.S. Pat. App. Pub ...

COMPUTER CONTROLLED SOLID STATE SWITCHING DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN A STIRLING-ELECTRIC HYBRID VEHICLE

A control system algorithm is provided for the computer control of a solid-state switching device in a Stirling-electric hybrid vehicle. The algorithm satisfies the demands for electrical energy management, regulation, allocation and distribution to the electrical system of the vehicle during the operation thereof. The control system controls the management, regulation, allocation and distribution of electrical current throughout the vehicle's electrical system in response the commands of the vehicle operator. This includes the operation of wheel motors, electrical storage systems, the drivetrain and a plurality of other components, accessories and subsystems. 1. A method for controlling the operation of a Sterling-electric hybrid vehicle , comprising: (a) an electric storage system,', '(b) a controller,', '(c) a solid-state switching device,', '(d) a plurality of power sources that includes a primary power source selected from the group consisting of Sterling cycle engines and Sterling cycle generators, and', '(e) a plurality of powered devices selected from the group consisting of vehicle components and subsystems, wherein the controller operates in conjunction with the solid state switching device to switch the mode of operation of the vehicle between an all-electric mode and a hybrid mode, and wherein the controller controls the operation of the plurality of power sources and the plurality of powered devices;, 'providing a Sterling-electric hybrid vehicle which includes'}receiving input selections to operate the vehicle in the all-electric mode or the hybrid mode; and (a) ascertaining the level of charge in the electrical storage system,', '(b) if the level of charge in the electrical storage system is above a threshold amount, then initiating the all-electric mode, and', '(c) if the level of charge in the electrical storage system is not above a threshold amount, then producing an electrical current by initiating the primary power source., 'if an input ...

System for direct electrical charging and storage of thermal energy for power plants

System for storage of electricity in the form of thermal energy, and release of thermal energy during times of demand. The system includes a unit for containing at least one electrically conducting phase change material and electrical circuitry for driving electrical current through the phase change material to heat the phase change material into a molten state, or at least one electrical heater used to convert electricity into heat stored in the phase change material. Structure is provided for transferring heat in the phase change material to a working fluid such as steam or gas for electricity generation in a steam turbine or gas turbine, capable of generating supercritical fluids. Structure is also provided for transferring heat in the phase change material to a thermal energy to electrical energy conversion device. A suitable phase change material is elemental silicon or an aluminum-silicon alloy.

HEAT ENGINES AND HEAT PUMPS WITH SEPARATORS AND DISPLACERS

An apparatus, which may be operated as a heat engine and/or a heat pump, includes moveable separators at a cold side and/or moveable separators at a hot side. Each separator divides a volume into two smaller volumes. Working fluid may be sequentially filled and emptied from volumes between the separators. The separators may move to maintain uniform pressure in the volumes. Hot-side separators may allow for near adiabatic compression/expansion of working fluid. Cold-side separators may allow for near adiabatic expansion/compression of working fluid. Two displacers are positioned between the cold-side separators and the hot-side separators. The displacers are independently actuatable to force working fluid into and out of the volumes between separators and into and out of a variable intermediate volume between the displacers. Heat exchangers, including a warming heat exchanger, are provided to heat, cool, and warm working fluid as it flows between separated volumes and the intermediate volume. 1. An apparatus comprising:a vessel to contain a working fluid, the vessel including a hot side and a cold side in fluid communication with the hot side via a flow path;a displacer positioned within the vessel, the displacer moveable to the hot side of the vessel to displace working fluid from the hot side into the cold side via the flow path, and the displacer moveable to the cold side of the vessel to displace working fluid from the cold side into the hot side via the flow path; anda separator positioned within the cold side of the vessel to divide the cold side into separate volumes including a first volume on a side of the separator closer to the displacer and a second volume on an opposite side of the separator further from the displacer, wherein the separator is moveable to selectively communicate the first volume to the flow path and the second volume to the flow path to allow the first and second volumes to have different temperatures of working fluid at the cold side of ...

ENERGY HARVESTING HEAT ENGINE AND ACTUATOR

A rotary heat engine including a central crankshaft and a plurality of cylinder assemblies and a heat exchanger assembly. At least one of the plurality of cylinders, and preferably all of the plurality of cylinders includes a cylinder member, a piston member slidably positionable within the cylinder member, a connecting rod and a rolling diaphragm. The rolling diaphragm is positioned between the piston and the cylinder assembly to define a working volume which is in fluid communication with an opening that is in communication with the heat exchanger body. 1. A rotary heat engine comprising:a central crankshaft having a first end and a second end and defining an axis of rotation, the central crankshaft further including at least one piston attachment member having an offset axis which is offset from the axis of rotation, with at least one axially displaced coupling point about the offset axis; a cylinder member having an elongated structure defining a bore and including a top end and a bottom end, the cylinder member rotatably positioned about the central crankshaft so as to rotate about the axis of rotation, the cylinder member further including an opening proximate the top end;', 'a piston member slidably positionable within the bore;', 'a first connecting rod having a piston coupling end coupled to the piston member; and', 'a rolling diaphragm positioned between the piston and the top end so as to define a working volume therebetween, the rolling diaphragm having a top end, a bottom panel and an elongated portion, the top end being sealingly attached to the cylinder member proximate the top end and in fluid communication with the opening therein, with the bottom panel overlying the piston so that movement of the piston rolls the elongated portion of the rolling diaphragm over itself between the piston and the bore of the cylinder member; and, 'a plurality of cylinder assemblies, at least one cylinder assembly including a heat exchanger body having an outer surface ...

Linear Cross-Head Bearing for Stirling Engine

An external combustion engine including a burner element, a heater head, a piston cylinder containing a piston, a cooler and a crankcase. The crankcase includes a crankshaft, a piston rod connected to the piston, a drive mechanism for converting the linear motion of the piston rod to rotary motion of the crankshaft and a linear cross-head bearing that is connected rigidly to the piston rod at one end and to the drive mechanism at the other end. Also the external combustion engine includes a piston clearance seal and a piston rod seal unit that has floating rod seals. The piston includes a inner dome to reduce axial heat transfer via radiation and convection. 1. An external combustion engine containing a working fluid and comprising:a burner element for heating the working fluid of the engine;at least one heater head defining a working space containing the working fluid;at least one piston cylinder containing a piston for compressing the working fluid;at least one cooler for cooling the working fluid; a crankshaft for producing an engine output;', 'a piston rod connected to the piston;', 'a drive mechanism that converts the linear motion of the piston rod to rotary motion of the crankshaft; and', 'a linear cross-head bearing comprising a journal and a guide, wherein the journal has a first end rigidly attached to the piston rod and a second end attached to the drive mechanism,', 'wherein the guide is located outside the working space, and', 'wherein the linear cross-head bearing solely constrains the motion of the piston., 'a crankcase comprising2. The external combustion engine of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the linear cross-head bearing length over diameter is greater than 2.0.3. The external combustion engine of claim 1 , wherein the linear cross-head bearing is a hydrodynamic bearing supplied with lubricating fluid from an annulus on the guide.4. The external combustion engine of claim 1 , further comprising a rod seal assembly that comprises:a housing between ...

Stirling Cycle Machine

A Stirling cycle machine with a liquid fuel/gaseous fuel burner. The burner may include a preheater to capture the thermal energy of the exhaust. The burner directs the preheated air to each burner head, where it enters a prechamber. Each burner head includes a fuel nozzle that directs liquid or gaseous fuel into the prechamber. The prechamber is fluidically connected to a combustion chamber via a prechamber nozzle that has a smaller opening than the prechamber. The burner head ignites the fuel air mixture in the prechamber with an ignitor located above or within the prechamber. The flame is initially lit as a diffusion flame in the prechamber. The flame is pushed out of the prechamber into the combustion chamber by an increased air flow rate. The liquid fuel from the nozzle now evaporates in the prechamber and forms a prevaporized flame in the combustion chamber. 1. A Burner for heating an external combustion engine comprising:an inlet for receiving air from a blower;an exhaust port for outputting exhaust gas;a preheater that receives air from the inlet and transfers thermal energy to the air from the exhaust gas before the exhaust gas enters the exhaust port;a combustion chamber that is adjacent to the external combustion engine; anda burner head comprising;a nozzle that is fluidically connected to a fuel source, the nozzle spaying fuel into the air exiting the preheater;an ignitor;a means to detect the presence of a flame the prechamber or the combustion chamber;a prechamber located between the nozzle and the combustion chambers, the prechamber receiving the fuel and air from the preheater, the prechamber having a first diameter; anda prechamber nozzle located between the prechamber and the combustion chamber, the nozzle having an opening characterized by a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, and the prechamber nozzle fluidically connecting the prechamber to the combustion chamber.2. The burner of wherein the means to ...

Heat Cycle Machine

The invention relates to a heat cycle machine which operates according to the Stirling cycle and can be used as a multi-valent stand-alone power supply for households (electricity and heat), that is to say using various energy sources (sunlight, combustion of present materials). The heat cycle machine comprises at least one hot oil connection () that can be connected to any desired heat source, at least one cold water connection () and two chambers () that contain a working gas. The chambers () are connected to one another via at least one working gas line () in which is integrated a working rotor () that can be driven by the working gas which is alternately heated in one of the chambers () and cooled in the other chamber (). 113. Heat cycle machine in which heat can be converted into electrical energy by means of a working rotor () that can be driven by a working gas , the heat cycle machine comprising{'b': 2', '2', '24', '1', '24', '2', '24', '1', '24', '2', '23', '24', '1', '24', '2', '24', '1', '24', '2', '23', '24', '1', '24', '2', '23, 'a chamber arrangement comprising two cylinder-shaped chambers () of essentially identical capacity, wherein each of said chambers () is enclosed by a double-walled chamber housing, said double-walled chamber housing comprising an inner and an outer enclosure wall, and said chamber housing consisting of two partial housings (., .) being thermally insulated against each other, wherein each of said partial housings (., .) exhibits a cavity () formed between the inner and the outer enclosure walls of the respective partial housing (., .), and wherein each of said partial housings (., .) comprises a heat fluid inlet and a heat fluid outlet at its respective outer enclosure wall, the heat fluid inlet allowing for introducing a heat fluid into the cavity () formed between the inner and the outer enclosure wall of the respective partial housing (., .), and the heat fluid outlet allowing for draining the heat fluid from the cavity ...

Thermal utilization system and methods

A thermal utilization plant including a heat engine and a cooling system for the heat engine. The heat engine is operable to receive heat from a non-carbon heat source (carbon heat source can be used) and to transfer heat to the cooling system. The cooling system includes an evaporator configured to vaporize a working fluid to a vapor state. A condenser is coupled to the evaporator by a conduit and operable to receive the working fluid in the vapor state and to condense the working fluid to a fluid state. An output is coupled to the condenser and operable to receive the working fluid from the condenser and to provide the working fluid for beneficial use.

DOUBLE-WORKING-MEDIUM EXPANDER USED FOR TWO-STAGE ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE

A double-working-medium expander used for a two-stage organic Rankine cycle, comprising a cylinder body, a rotor disposed inside the cylinder body and provided with a plurality of slip sheets in a radial direction of the cylinder body, and a rotary shaft fixedly connected to the center of the rotor, wherein, the cylinder body is of an annular structure formed by two semi-oval structures which are in butt joint with unequal semi-major axes and equal semi-minor axes; the outer peripheral surface of the rotor can be rotationally tangent to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body at the butt joint position of the two semi-oval structures of the cylinder body; a low-temperature cycle volume for expanding the low-temperature working medium with a large flow and a small expansion ratio and a high-temperature cycle volume for expanding the high-temperature working medium with a small flow and a large expansion ratio are formed among two sides of the rotor and the cylinder body, respectively; and, a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, which are arranged on the wall of the cylinder body, are communicated with the low-temperature cycle volume, and a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet, which are arranged on the wall of the cylinder body, are both communicated with the high-temperature cycle volume. In the present invention, two working mediums in the two-stage organic Rankine cycle can do expansion work in an expansion mechanism. 12124251212267128926101127. A double-working-medium expander used for a two-stage organic Rankine cycle , comprising a cylinder body () , a rotor () disposed inside the cylinder body () and provided with a plurality of slip sheets () in a radial direction of the cylinder body () , and a rotary shaft () fixedly connected to the center of the rotor () , wherein , the cylinder body () is of an annular structure formed by two semi-oval structures which are in butt joint with unequal semi-major axes and equal semi-minor axes; the ...

Use of External Air for Closed Cycle Inventory Control

Systems and methods relating to use of external air for inventory control of a closed thermodynamic cycle system or energy storage system, such as a reversible Brayton cycle system, are disclosed. A method may involve, in a closed cycle system operating in a power generation mode, circulating a working fluid may through a closed cycle fluid path. The closed cycle fluid path may include a high pressure leg and a low pressure leg. The method may further involve in response to a demand for increased power generation, compressing and dehumidifying environmental air. And the method may involve injecting the compressed and dehumidified environmental air into the low pressure leg. 1. A method comprising:in a closed cycle system operating in a power generation mode, circulating a working fluid through a closed cycle fluid path including, in sequence, a compressor, a hot side heat exchanger, a turbine, and a cold side heat exchanger, wherein the closed cycle fluid path comprises a high pressure leg and a low pressure leg;in response to a demand for increased power generation, compressing and dehumidifying environmental air; andinjecting the compressed and dehumidified environmental air into the low pressure leg.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the closed cycle system comprises a closed Brayton cycle system.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:extracting working fluid from the high pressure leg of the closed cycle fluid path;storing the extracted working fluid in a working fluid storage tank; andinjecting the extracted working fluid from the working fluid storage tank into the low pressure leg simultaneously with injecting the compressed and dehumidified environmental air into the low pressure leg.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the closed cycle system is configured to thermally contact the working fluid circulating through cold side heat exchanger with a cold side thermal storage (“CTS”) medium claim 1 , wherein dehumidifying the environmental air comprises: ...

Atmospheric Storage and Transfer of Thermal Energy

A heat engine system with pressure-regulating load-locks disposed between thermal medium storage containers and heat exchangers is disclosed. A load-lock connects one or more storage containers at atmospheric pressure to one or more heat exchangers at greater than or less than atmospheric pressure. 1. A system comprising:a thermal medium;a storage container configured to store the thermal medium at a first pressure;a heat exchanger containing the thermal medium at a second pressure that is different than the first pressure; and a holding section configured to hold a quantity of the thermal medium;', 'a first pressure seal disposed between the holding section and the storage container, wherein the first pressure seal in a closed configuration prevents equilibration of pressure between the holding section and the storage container through the first pressure seal and prevents transfer of the thermal medium between the storage container and the holding section through the first pressure seal, and wherein the first pressure seal in an open configuration allows equilibration of pressure between the holding section and the storage container through the first pressure seal and allows transfer of the thermal medium between the storage container and the holding section through the first pressure seal; and', 'a second pressure seal disposed between the holding section and the heat exchanger, wherein the second pressure seal in a closed configuration prevents equilibration of pressure between the holding section and the heat exchanger through the second pressure seal and prevents transfer of the thermal medium between the heat exchanger and the holding section through the second pressure seal, and wherein the second pressure seal in an open configuration allows equilibration of pressure between the holding section and the heat exchanger through the second pressure seal and allows transfer of the thermal medium between the heat exchanger and the holding section through the ...

SOLAR AIR CONDITIONING HEAT PUMP WITH MINIMIZED DEAD VOLUME

A method and apparatus that reduces the dead volume in a heat engine or heat pump, such as a duplex Stirling or Vuilleumier cycle device, by nesting the components of the displacer and regenerator such that nearly all working fluid is purged from the interstices of the regenerator elements and all other working fluid spaces that are not involved in doing useful work at each portion of the cycle. Particularly, a more scalable and efficient method and apparatus for providing solar air conditioning or refrigeration by means of a heated cylinder that alternately pressurizes and depressurizes a separate cooling cylinder by directly transferring thermally induced pressure changes to that cooling cylinder at optimized times in the cycle, under the control of a numerically controlled actuation system that can cycle at a much lower rate than mechanically coupled or harmonically phased systems. 1. A timing control system for a Stirling cycle device comprising:a processor;at least one sensor for sensing at least one of temperature and pressure in at least one region internal to said device; receiving, for each of a plurality of working fluid spaces, at least one measurement of head temperature, internal cavity temperature, ambient temperature and internal cavity pressure;', 'determining, from the received measurements for each of the plurality of working fluid spaces, an optimal dwell time and linkage speed that avoids pumping working fluid faster than necessary to attain a requested temperature;', 'outputting instructions regarding at least dwell time and speed for each of said plurality of working fluid spaces to an electromechanical mover that moves at least one part internal to said Stirling cycle device to control a running sequence of said Stirling cycle device., 'at least one data store, the data store containing therein computer-readable instructions which, when executed by said processor, perform the steps of a method for timing the actuation of cycles of said ...

METHOD AND THERMAL ENGINE FOR UTILIZING WASTE HEAT OR GEOTHERMAL HEAT

In a thermal engine for producing an electrical current or mechanical output by actuating a piston by gas under pressure in a cylinder chamber of the thermal engine, wherein heat is applied to the gas compressed in the cylinder by injecting or spraying a heat transfer medium in the form of a hot liquid or hot condensable gas into the cylinder chamber from which the used heat transfer medium is then collected in a base region of the cylinder chamber and is drained into a collection chamber. 12201112101102103110. A method for operating a thermal engine for generating electricity or mechanical power , wherein a piston ( , ) is driven by hot gas which is disposed under pressure in a cylinder chamber ( , , , , ) of a cylinder ( , ) of the thermal engine and which is heated by a heat supply from without , said method comprising the steps of supplying heat to the hot gas in the cylinder chamber by injecting or spraying a hot heat carrier medium in a liquid or wet steam-like state into the cylinder chamber and collecting the used heat carrier medium as a liquid or in the form of ice crystals in a bottom area of the cylinder chamber for transfer into a collection chamber.21112111221. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the heat carrier medium is injected or sprayed alternately into the one () or the other () of two cylinder chambers ( claim 1 , ) which are disposed at opposite sides of a piston () which is movably back and forth in a horizontally arranged cylinder ().31011021031020. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the heat carrier medium is injected or sprayed into the cylinder chamber ( claim 1 , claim 1 , ) formed in a certain circumferential area of a cylinder () between the cylinder wall and a rotational piston () rotating in the cylinder.41220111121011021033141110. In hot gas thermal engine having a cylinder () with a piston ( claim 1 , ) movably disposed in the cylinder () and actuated by hot gas which is heated by heat supplied to the respective ...

HEAT ENGINE AND THERMODYNAMIC CYCLE FOR CONVERTING HEAT INTO USEFUL WORK

Heat engine () for converting heat into useful work, comprising a first storage arrangement (A) for a working gas, wherein said storage arrangement (A) is divided into a first cold chamber (A) and a first warm chamber (A), and a first movable piston arrangement (A) is configured in such a way that it changes the overall volume of the first storage arrangement (A) and presses the working gas to and fro between the two first chambers (A, A), characterized in that the heat engine () comprises a second storage arrangement (B) for the working gas, wherein said second storage arrangement (B) is divided into a second cold chamber (B) and a second warm chamber (B), and a second movable piston arrangement (B) is configured in such a way that it changes the overall volume of the second storage arrangement (B) and presses the working gas to and fro between the two second chambers (B, B), and that a connection () between the first and the second storage arrangement (A, B) is provided for a part quantity of the working gas to be exchanged between the two storage arrangements (A, B) at least during a predefined constellation of the two piston arrangements (A, B). 1. Heat engine for converting heat into useful work , comprising:a first storage arrangement for a working gas, where it is divided into a first cold and a first warm chamber, anda first movable piston arrangement is configured such that it changes the overall volume of said first storage arrangement and presses said working gas to and fro between said two first chambers,whereinsaid heat engine comprises a second storage arrangement for said working gas, where the latter is divided into a second cold and a second warm chamber, anda second movable piston arrangement is configured in such a way that it changes the overall volume of said second storage arrangement and presses said working gas to and fro between said two second chambers, and thata connection between said first and said second storage arrangement is provided ...

DEVICE FOR COMPRESSING A GASEOUS FLUID

A modular device for compressing gaseous fluid includes a first stage with a first hot chamber, a second cold chamber, a piston assembly separating the first and second chambers inside a main enclosure, a regenerative heat exchanger establishing a fluid communication between the first and second chambers by at least a first communication line, and optionally third and fourth chambers separated by a fixed divider separating the third and fourth chambers placed in communication by a second communication line. It thus includes a compressor with one, two, or four stages based on a modular architecture with common components. 1. A device for compressing gaseous fluid , comprising:an inlet for gaseous fluid to be compressed and an outlet for compressed gaseous fluid;a cylindrical main enclosure for containing the gaseous fluids;a first chamber thermally coupled to a heat source adapted for adding heat energy to the gaseous fluid;a second chamber thermally coupled to a cold source in order to transfer heat energy from the gaseous fluid to the cold source;a piston assembly mounted in a cylindrical sleeve so as to move in an axial direction and separating the first chamber and second chamber inside said main enclosure;at least one regenerative heat exchanger arranged circumferentially around the sleeve and establishing a fluid communication between the first and second chambers by at least one first communication line;the first chamber comprising a one first communication passage arranged at a first end of the enclosure and connected to the at least one first communication line, the second chamber comprising a second communication passage arranged at a second end of the enclosure and connected to the at least one first communication line; andthe first chamber, the second chamber, and the at least one first communication line forming a first compression stage;wherein the device comprises a plurality of third and fourth passages of that are ports arranged in an intermediate ...