Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
A linear, multi-cylinder Stirling cycle machine comprises a plurality of Stirling cycle units arranged in an open series or closed loop. Each of the units comprises a compression space in fluid communication with an expansion space via a regenerative heat exchange assembly. The compression space and expansion space are in fluid communication with, respectively, a compression piston and an expansion piston, and the separate Stirling cycle units are mechanically coupled together by linear power transmitters, which connect the expansion piston of one unit to the compression unit of the other. The linear power transmitters can be linear transducers such as linear motors or generators. In the open series arrangement the series of Stirling cycle units can have an initiating compressor at one end and a terminating expander at the other end. hi the closed loop arrangement, one of the Stirling cycle units can include an exergy throttle to restrict gas flow rates to control the speed of the machine. The machine may be used in a combined heat and power apparatus with some Stirling cycle units acting as engine/generators and with waste heat being used for heating. Some Stirling cycle units can be used for cooling or heat pumping.
Abstract:
A personal vehicle for transporting a user over a surface including an external combustion engine. The vehicle includes a generator for converting the mechanical energy produced by the external combustion engine to electrical energy and an energy storage device for storing power provided by the generator and for providing power to the external combustion engine and the assembly. The personal vehicle includes a controller for controlling a total power load placed on the external combustion engine providing short term regulation of external combustion engine parameters.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
An auxiliary power system (100) for providing electrical power and heat to an indoor area includes an external combustion engine (101), such as a Stirling cycle engine (101), 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 (102) is coupled to the external combustion engine (101) and converts the mechanical energy produced by the external combustion engine (101) to electrical power. A first power output is used to provide the electrical power produced by the generator (102). The external combustion engine (101) and generator are disposed within a housing such that the external combustion engine (101), generator (102) and housing combination is a portable size. The thermal energy generated by the external combustion engine (101) may be used to heat the atmosphere surrounding the housing.
Abstract:
A two piston Stirling engine which includes a heat exchanger arrangement placing the cooler (26) and regenerator (28) directly adjacent the compression space (22) for minimal cold duct volume; a sealing arrangement (54) and (56) which eliminates the need for piston seals, crossheads and piston rods; and a simplified power control system (60).
Abstract:
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.