Abstract: A combustion system, particle separator and feed system for a combined heat and power system is provided. The system includes a combustion chamber configured to directly combust solid organic material. A combustion system is provided having a pressure vessel and a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is disposed within the pressure vessel with a space therebetween. A conical plenum is disposed within the combustion chamber that distributes fuel to a perimeter of the combustion chamber. Plenum tubes extend from the conical plenum are configured to lift and suspend the solid organic material and induce a cyclonic flow within the combustion chamber. A port is coupled between an air source and the space, wherein during operation, air flows from the air source through the port and into the space to provide a thermal break between the combustion chamber and the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A combined heat and power system and method of operation is provided. The system includes a combustion chamber configured to directly combust solid organic material. A compressor turbine is fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber. An expansion turbine is fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber. In an embodiment, the system has a low turbine pressure ratio.

Abstract: A combined heat and power system and method of operation is provided. The system includes a combustion chamber configured to directly combust solid organic material. A compressor turbine is fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber. An expansion turbine is fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber. In an embodiment, the system has a low turbine pressure ratio.

Abstract: A combined heat and power (CHP) system. The CHP system including a combustion chamber with an air inlet and an exhaust. The combustion chamber configured to receive a hot secondary gas for combustion. A heat exchanger coupled to the particle separator receives mixed combustion gases and transfers heat to a secondary gas. The CHP system also includes a turbine configured to receive and compress a secondary gas and direct the compressed secondary gas to the heat exchanger, the turbine is also configured to receive a heated compressed secondary gas and expand it to generate work therefrom, the expanded heated secondary gas is also used for combustion and to regulate the temperature of the combustion gases entering the heat exchanger. A generator is connected to the drive shaft of the turbine and configured to generate electricity with the work generated therein.

Abstract: A piston drive assembly, including: a housing enclosing each of: a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder having an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the other cylinders; a plurality of pistons, one piston in each cylinder; a wobble plate connected to each of the plurality of pistons; a swashplate rotatably fixed to a drive shaft such that the drive shaft can rotate the swash plate or the swash plate can rotate the drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft extends through the entire length of the housing.

Abstract: A combined heat and power (CHP) system. The CHP system including a combustion chamber with an air inlet and an exhaust. The combustion chamber configured to receive a hot secondary gas for combustion. A heat exchanger coupled to the particle separator receives mixed combustion gases and transfers heat to a secondary gas. The CHP system also includes a turbine configured to receive and compress a secondary gas and direct the compressed secondary gas to the heat exchanger, the turbine is also configured to receive a heated compressed secondary gas and expand it to generate work therefrom, the expanded heated secondary gas is also used for combustion and to regulate the temperature of the combustion gases entering the heat exchanger. A generator is connected to the drive shaft of the turbine and configured to generate electricity with the work generated therein.

Abstract: A variable displacement piston assembly including a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder having an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the other cylinders, a plurality of pistons, one piston in each cylinder, and each piston and corresponding cylinder having a displacement. The assembly also including a transition arm having a connector pin for each piston, each connector pin connecting each piston to said transition arm, a drive shaft connected to the transition arm and a control shaft rotatably coupled to the drive shaft, the control shaft being movable to adjust the displacement of the piston assembly.

Abstract: A piston drive assembly, including: a housing enclosing each of: a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder having an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the other cylinders; a plurality of pistons, one piston in each cylinder; a wobble plate connected to each of the plurality of pistons; a swashplate rotatably fixed to a drive shaft such that the drive shaft can rotate the swash plate or the swash plate can rotate the drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft extends through the entire length of the housing.

Abstract: A variable displacement piston assembly including a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder having an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the other cylinders, a plurality of pistons, one piston in each cylinder, and each piston and corresponding cylinder having a displacement. The assembly also including a transition arm having a connector pin for each piston, each connector pin connecting each piston to said transition arm, a drive shaft connected to the transition arm and a control shaft rotatably coupled to the drive shaft, the control shaft being movable to adjust the displacement of the piston assembly.

Abstract: A solar collector is provided that concentrates solar energy for heating a medium such as air. The solar collector includes a housing with a first end wall, a second end wall and a cavity therebetween. A receiver tube is extended through the first end wall on a first end and extending longitudinally within the cavity. A receiver core member made from a metal foam material is disposed within the receiver tube. At least one mirror is arranged within the cavity opposite the receiver tube, the at least one mirror being arranged to reflect light onto the receiver tube. In one embodiment, an automated cleaning system is arranged to clean the collector cover. In another embodiment, the mirror is made from a dielectric mirror.

Abstract: A closed cycle heat engine is provided. The heat engine includes first and second expansion pistons that are fluidly coupled to a heater. The expansion pistons are also fluidly and operably coupled to a compression piston. A regenerator extracts heat from a working fluid flowing from the expansion cylinders to the compression cylinders to preheat the working fluid flowing to the heater. A cooler is arranged in between the regenerator and the compression cylinder to remove additional heat before the working fluid reaches the compression cylinder. The heat engine is arranged such that the working fluid travels unidirectionally within the engine. The heat engine may further include one or more actuated valves for controlling the flow of the working gas. In one embodiment, the pressure of the crankcase is controlled to be at or less than the heat engine minimum pressure.

Abstract: An external combustion engine includes: a plurality of cavities; a compressible working fluid in fluid communication between each pair of adjacent cavities; and a plurality of hydraulic linkages in reciprocal phase communication between each pair of alternate cavities. In an alternative embodiment the external combustion engine includes: a plurality of cavities; a compressible working fluid in fluid communication between each pair of adjacent cavities; and a plurality of articulated mechanical linkages in reciprocal phase communication between each pair of alternate cavities. In another alternative embodiment the external combustion engine includes: at least four upright cavities disposed substantially equidistant from a central upright axis; a compressible working fluid in fluid communication between each pair of adjacent cavities; and at least one linkage in reciprocal phase communication between each pair of alternate cavities. The at least one linkage may comprise a hydraulic linkage.

Abstract: An external combustion engine comprises a mass of compressible working fluid; a fluidic piston in fluid communication with the working fluid; and a second piston in hydraulic communication with the fluidic piston and in fluid communication with the working fluid.

Abstract: An external combustion engine comprises a mass of compressible working fluid; a fluidic piston in fluid communication with said working fluid; and a second piston in hydraulic communication with said fluidic piston and in fluid communication with said working fluid.