Abstract: The invention describes a method of nuclear energy transformation into electric and/or mechanical energy by triggering criticality in a working cylinder by an approach of a piston with a neutron reflector layer to fissile heat elements. Optionally, liquid moderator should fill the heating element to provide for an additional condition of such triggering. The pulse reaction initiates a heat cycle by expanding working fluid, extracting mechanical work and compressing the working fluid using lower amount of energy. The energy released in reaction can drive a column of water as a liquid piston propelling a highly efficient hydraulic turbine and producing a simple economical method of energy conversion. The piston movements can also be converted in laser and electromagnetic pulses. Self-regulation of nuclear reaction by a reflector piston linked to a resilient spring can be used in marine propulsion.

Abstract: A thermal engine with a heated external chamber capable of generating highly compressed fluid, releasing work energy when injected into a cylinder of an engine equipped with a one cycle cam shaft, thus producing power on every one half revolution of the crank shaft. The exhaust stroke is utilized to pressurize the fluid in the system by forcing the spent fluid into a manifold, pressurized fluid is prevented from returning to the engine by a one way gate valve. The fluid is then forced into a pre-cooler tank through an adjustable one way valve then into a cooling tank through a one way valve where it cooled and pressurized and returned to the expansion chamber through a one way valve and the process is repeated. The engine speed is controlled by a bypass system connecting the expansion chamber and the manifold.

Abstract: An externally heated engine is provided which has a piston and a displacer. The position of the piston can be adjusted by a yoke and disk assembly on one end of a link and spacers and gaskets in the cylinder. The relative position of the displacer with respect to the piston can be changed by changing the relative position of a pair of disks in the crankshaft assembly. The displacer is caused to reciprocate by a link which is moved by a displacer cam assembly. The displacer cam assembly includes a first cam and a second cam. The first cam and the second cam each have a groove path. The displacer link follows the groove path of the cams to cause the displacer to dwell at the two ends of its stroke and to move rapidly from one end to the other.

Abstract: A cooling tower system is provided that can exhibit increased energy efficiency that cools a process fluid or the like. The cooling tower system includes a cooling tower unit and a thermoelectric device along with a working fluid loop. The process fluid may be used to heat a working fluid for the thermoelectric device before being sent to the cooling tower for cooling. Power generated by the thermoelectric device may be utilized to operate a component of the cooling tower such as a fan or a pump. The cooling tower is also utilized to provide cooling to condense the working fluid from a vapor to a liquid form wherein the cooling tower is used to remove waste heat from a process fluid.

Abstract: Systems and related methods are disclosed that generally involve adjusting the temperature of an air mass to improve the efficiency of an air hybrid engine. In one embodiment, an air management system is provided that includes a heat exchanger, a recuperator, and associated control valves that connect between the air hybrid engine, its exhaust system, and its air tank. The air management system improves the efficiency of the energy transfer to the air tank by compressed air during AC and FC modes and improves the efficiency of the energy transfer from the air tank by compressed air during AE and AEF modes. The improvement in efficiency from the system results in reduced engine and vehicle fuel consumption during driving cycles comprising accelerations, decelerations, and steady-state cruising.

Abstract: A roller bearing sub-assembly can include a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion spaced apart from the first mounting portion, a first roller disposed between the first and second mounting portions and straps wrapped partially around different portions of the first roller. The first mounting portion, second mounting portion, first roller and straps are configured such that the first and second mounting portions are moveable relative to each other along a selected direction for a distance that is approximately equal to a circumference of the first roller in opposite directions from a mid-stroke position. Linear roller bearing assemblies and methods of forming linear roller bearing assemblies are also disclosed, as are multi-cylinder Stirling engines and a thermal energy recovery system.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and associated method are provided that may eliminate or reduce the need for an external mechanical or electrical power source to drive the fan by utilization, instead, of a Stirling engine. A heat exchanger includes a plurality of coils configured to carry a primary fluid. The heat exchanger also includes a fan including a plurality of fan blades configured to force a secondary fluid across the plurality of coils to facilitate heat transfer between the primary and secondary fluids. The heat exchanger also includes a Stirling engine operably connected to the fan and configured to cause rotation of the fan blades. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: Linear roller bearing assemblies can include a hub, a collar around the hub and roller bearing sub-assemblies disposed in a radial pattern around the hub. The roller bearing sub-assemblies can guide linear movement of the hub relative to the collar along a selected direction. Each roller bearing sub-assembly can include a roller and straps wrapped partially around the roller. Each strap is connected to at least one of the hub and the collar. And at least one of the straps can be connected to the roller while at least one of the straps can be circumferentially free of the roller. The hub and collar are moveable relative to each other along the selected direction for a distance that is approximately half of a circumference of the roller. Methods of forming linear roller bearing assemblies are also disclosed, as are multi-cylinder Stirling engines and a thermal energy recovery system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for collecting and converting solar energy into electrical energy by using solar collectors with closed-cycle thermodynamic engines. The solar collectors are configured to collect solar energy and to distribute the collected solar energy in a pulsating manner directly into closed-cycle thermodynamic engines, piezoelectric generators, and the like. The pulsating manner means that the solar energy is allowed to enter into a particular engine or generator periodically, for a predetermined period of time, similar to turning a switch ON and OFF. The closed-cycle thermodynamic engines utilize a reciprocating piston to generate energy based on thermal expansion of a working fluid based on concentrated solar energy.

Abstract: A closed cycle Stirling cryogenic cooler, typically utilizing a noble gas (He or like) as a working fluid and containing a pneumatically driven expander interconnected with a low frequency pressure wave generator using a flexible transfer line or conduit, wherein the pressure wave generator includes a sealed gas discharge cavity containing the pressurized working fluid and a plurality of discharge electrodes which are electrically isolated, protrude through the walls of the cavity and are electrically connected to the high frequency pulse voltage supply, thus producing the glow discharge resulting in a cloud of cold plasma, making a so-called “plasmanized gas piston”.

Abstract: A method to store energy, the method comprising: (b) providing a phase change material, having a melting point of at least 500° C., in a container; (c) heating the phase change material to cause at least a portion thereof to melt and so store heat therein; (d) storing the phase change material for a period of time being at least one minute; (e) using at least a portion of heat from the phase change material as a power source; (e) moving the container and the phase change material from a first location to a second location, the first and second locations being spaced apart by at least 10 metres. Embodiments of the invention may be used for a variety of purposes, such as for vehicle propulsion, oil well stimulation and recovery of crude oil from sunken tankers. A vehicle may be moved to a location proximate to where the power source is required which is more convenient and indeed allows steam to be supplied in areas which where hitherto not possible.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A heat engine comprises a first displacing piston and a second displacing piston, wherein a surface of the first displacing piston and a surface of the second displacing piston that face each other limit a working space that is filled with a working gas. The two heat exchanger arrangements are arranged in the working space between the first displacing piston and the second displacing piston, each heat exchanger arrangement comprising a heat source and a heat sink. The working gas flows through or circulates around each of the two heat exchanger arrangements. The first displacing piston, and the second displacing piston, and/or the heat exchanger arrangements are rotatably mounted with respect to an axis. Measures are provided for counteracting against a circular motion of the working gas around the axis relative to the heat exchanger arrangements.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method for efficiently converting heat energy to readily usable energy with maximized thermal efficiency. Maximized thermal efficiency is obtained by the use of heat regeneration and working gas processing steps that optimize the heat regeneration, so that any heat that is supplied to the working gas from the external heat sourse is supplied at the maximum temperature, and any heat that is rejected from the working gas to an external heat sinks is rejected at the minimum temperature, given the constraints of the the heat source and heat sink temperatures. Two basic designs of engines are proposed. One of the basic designs uses pairs of heat regenerators, and would be suitable for stationary power generation applications. The other basic design uses single heat regenerators and would be suited for motive power applications. Both piston cylinder and turbocompressor driven engine applications can be used in each of the two basic designs of engines.

Abstract: A high efficiency energy conversion system disclosed herein incorporates a piston assembly including a sealed cylinder for storing a working fluid and an energy conversion element attached to the piston assembly. A kinematic mechanism such as a cam lobe or a scotch yoke may be used as the energy conversion element. In one implementation, the kinematic mechanism may be configured to provide rapid piston expansion in a manner so as not to allow the expanding working fluid inside the piston to achieve thermodynamic equilibrium. In an alternate implementation, the kinematic mechanism is further adapted to generate a compression stroke in a manner to provide the working fluid inside the piston to achieve thermodynamic equilibrium conditions throughout the compression stroke.

Abstract: A Stirling engine power generation system comprises a first gas fired Stirling engine driving a scroll compressor to provide heat to a second Stirling engine powered generator. The second Stirling engine is partially submersed in a heat transfer medium that is heated by heat transfer fluid compressed by the Stirling scroll compressor and excess heat from gas firing. The invention further comprises a cam drive system with spherical cam followers, and multiple electrical generators.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In various embodiments, efficiency of energy storage and recovery systems compressing and expanding gas is improved via heat exchange between the gas and a heat-transfer fluid.

Abstract: A glove holder is disclosed for coupling a glove to an air vent. The glove has a body defining an interior cavity. The body has an aperture for accessing the interior cavity. The air vent discharging an air flow. The air flow dries the glove. The glove holder comprises a cylinder having an intake end, an exhaust end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines an interior bore extending from the intake end to the exhaust end. The cylinder is insertable through the aperture and into the interior cavity of the body for positioning the exterior surface of the cylinder adjacent to the body of the glove. A support arm extends from a first end to a second end. The first end of the support arm is secured to the interior surface of the cylinder. The second end of the support arm is positioned within the interior bore. A clamp secures the second end of the support arm to the air vent.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for a pipe manufacturing process is shown. A compression or injection molding operation is used to form a sealing gasket which is used in the subsequent pipe manufacturing operation. A Stirling engine cycle is used to recover heat during the gasket manufacture. The Stirling engine is driven by waste heat from the mold members or other associated parts of the injection or compression molding apparatus. The recovered waste heat is used to subsequently heat the female pipe end which is being belled in the pipe manufacturing process.

Abstract: A system for generating power from a low grade heat source includes a heat source inlet, heat sink inlet, heat exchanger unit, and a heat engine. The heat source inlet conveys a flow of a heated fluid into the system. The heat sink inlet conveys a flow of a cooled fluid into the system. The heat exchanger unit is configured to rotate. A portion of the heat exchanger unit alternates between thermal contact with the heated fluid and thermal contact with the cooled fluid in response to being rotated. The heat engine is configured to generate power in response to the heat exchanger unit being rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro generator system which uses temperature difference (about 5˜10° C.) between skin and outside environment to allow an engine to drive microfluid flow as well as pass nanomagnetic particles within microfluid through coli to produce an inducing electricity.

Abstract: In various embodiments, efficiency of energy storage and recovery systems compressing and expanding gas is improved via heat exchange between the gas and a heat-transfer fluid.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic engine includes first and second stacks disposed in parallel in a looped tube and a heat storage unit disposed in the looped tube. A circuit length between a center of the first stack and a center of the heat storage unit is equal to a circuit length between a center of the second stack and the center of the heat storage unit. A first acoustic circuit including the first stack and the heat storage unit has a circuit length which is equal to a circuit length of a second acoustic circuit including the second stack and the heat storage unit.

Abstract: A thermodynamic machine includes at least one chamber in which an isothermal expansion and/or compression is to be carried out, said chamber being longitudinally defined by first and second walls that are mobile relative to each other. The chamber is divided by partitions extending longitudinally from each of the first and second walls, the partitions being interleaved within each other, and the distance between the partitions extending from a same wall being such that the ratio between the distance squared and the cycle duration of the thermodynamic machine is lower than the average thermal diffusivity of the gas contained in the chamber.

Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a high-temperature side cylinder and an expansion piston that is subjected to gas lubrication, or more specifically static pressure gas lubrication, relative to the high-temperature side cylinder and has a layer on an outer peripheral surface thereof, the layer being formed from a flexible material having a higher linear expansion coefficient than a base material of the expansion piston, wherein a booster pump and a ECU are provided as a contact avoiding device to prevent the expansion piston from contacting the high-temperature side cylinder when an engine operation is stopped until a temperature of the expansion piston can be suppressed below a predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat pump which follows an intermediate form between an ideal Carnot cycle and a Stirling cycle and which, as the same time, has high thermal efficiency as heat is transferred from low temperature to high temperature due to a heat cycle caused by the compression and expansion of a gas by means of an external motive force.

Abstract: A cryocooler in which two independently moving flexure systems are split across a single magnetic structure, decreasing package size and increasing resistance to cantilevered mass sag due to external forces. A series of concentrically oriented flexure coupling shafts are provided that allow two independently moving flexure assemblies to be split across a single motor. A series of connectors are included on the forward side of the motor that pass through the outer shaft and allow the inner connecting shaft to be mounted to its flexures without interference. A series of close-out connections are included on the aft flexure stacks that makes assembly possible, providing firm mechanical connections without interference.

Abstract: Power plant systems and processes are described that enable recovery of at least a portion of the fuel storage energy associated with a storage system for supplying fuel to the power plant systems. A first embodiment of an energy-recovery power plant system includes at least one fuel storage container and at least one expander that can receive fuel from the fuel storage container at a first pressure and provide the fuel to the power plant at a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure. A second embodiment of an energy-recovery power plant system includes a first conduit fluidly coupling the fuel storage container and the power plant for delivering fuel from the fuel storage container to the power plant and at least one regenerative thermodynamic cycle engine thermally coupled to the first conduit such that heat may be exchanged between the fuel and a working fluid for the regenerative thermodynamic cycle engine.

Abstract: A beta-type free-piston Stirling cycle engine or cooler is drivingly coupled to a linear alternator or linear motor and has an improved balancing system to minimize vibration without the need for a separate vibration balancing unit. The stator of the linear motor or alternator is mounted to the interior of the casing through an interposed spring to provide an oscillating system permitting the stator to reciprocate and flex the spring during operation of the Stirling machine and coupled transducer. The natural frequency of oscillation, ?s, of the stator is maintained essentially equal to ? p ? 1 - ? p k p and the natural frequency of oscillation of the piston, ?p, is maintained essentially equal to the operating frequency, ?o of the coupled Stirling machine and alternator or motor.

Abstract: In a method for operating a Stirling cycle process an operating medium is essentially compressed in an isothermal manner, subsequently heated in an isochoric manner subsequently expanded in an isothermal manner and subsequently cooled in an isochoric manner which completes the cycle process. In order to improve the energy efficiency of such processes for a clockwise power machine process and also for a counterclockwise refrigeration machine it is proposed that the isothermal compression be performed freely through a liquid piston compressor (2) and/or the isothermal expansion is performed by a liquid piston expander. Additionally a device for carrying out the method is disclosed.

Abstract: The problems of reducing the torque required to turn the valve, eliminating wear dust, and extending the life of the valves in Gifford McMahon (G-M) type multi-port pulse tube refrigerators are solved by using a rotary spool valve having radial clearance to control flow to and from the regenerator, and using face seal ports on the end of the spool to control flow to and from the pulse tubes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy retriever system and methods for absorbing energy and using that energy elsewhere or converting it to other useful forms of energy or work. The energy retriever system consists of a series of components interconnected by a plurality of conduits containing a fluid. Working as a self-contained thermodynamic system, the energy retriever system allows the fluid to circulate through all of these elements. Heat added to the energy capture subsystem heats the fluid. The fluid becomes more pressurized and moves into the expansion cycle subsystem. The energy extraction subsystem transforms the thermal energy of the fluid into work, kinetic energy or thermal energy. The reservoir subsystem compresses the fluid and reintroduces it into the energy capture subsystem. One-way valves are used throughout the system to keep the flow of the fluid in one direction and separate sections of the system that contain different pressures.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) comprising a power plant or air motor utilizing compressed air or liquid air for energy storage. The apparatus includes an electrical plant (200), a mechanical plant (300), and a pneumatic plant (400). When operating as a compressor, the plant receives electrical and/or direct mechanical power as an input to drive the plant, compress air, and store its output in the form of compressed or liquefied air. When operating as an engine, the plant consumes the compressed or liquid air to drive a mechanism of the engine and deliver mechanical power and/or electrical power as an output.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for generating heat and transferring the heat to a heater head of an external combustion engine, preferably, a Stirling engine. Fuel and air are introduced into a combustion chamber and mixed to form an air/fuel mixture. The air/fuel mixture is combusted over a combustion catalyst positioned in physical contact with a heat spreader, which itself is positioned in physical contact with a heat acceptor surface. The heat acceptor surface is secured in thermal communication with the heater head. Depending upon the design of the heater head, heat flux from the heat acceptor surface into the heater head may occur radially or non-radially.

Abstract: In a system where the thermal energy of a geothermal fluid is applied to an ORC system, the energy is enhanced by the use of solar energy to thereby increase the temperature of the fluid being applied by the ORC system. A single heat exchanger version provides for direct heat exchange relationship with the geothermal and solar fluids, whereas a two heat exchanger version provides for each of the geothermal and solar fluids to be in heat exchange relationship with the working medium of the ORC system. Control features are provided to selectively balance the various fluid flows in the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Stirling engine, including at least one cylinder in which two pistons are arranged which move counter to one another, with each piston being connected by means of a first connecting rod to an oscillating lever, and the oscillating lever is connected by means of a second connecting rod to the crankshaft, where the oscillating lever is connected in an articulated manner with its first end to the second connecting rod, it is pivotably mounted at its second end in the cylinder housing, and the first connecting rod is connected in an articulated manner between the first and second end.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for transferring heat by conduction to the internal heat acceptor of an external combustion engine. Fuel and air are introduced and mixed to form an air/fuel mixture. The air/fuel mixture is directed into a catalytic reactor that is positioned substantially adjacent to the heater head. Heat is transferred via conduction from the catalytic reactor to the heater head and the catalytic reaction products are exhausted.

Abstract: A high efficiency generator is provided using a Stirling engine to amplify an acoustic wave by heating the gas in the engine in a forward mode. The engine is coupled to an alternator to convert heat input to the engine into electricity. A plurality of the engines and respective alternators can be coupled to operate in a timed sequence to produce multi-phase electricity without the need for conversion. The engine system may be operated in a reverse mode as a refrigerator/heat pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluidic oscillators including compressed gas driven pumps and liquid piston and thermoacoustic heat engines and heat pumps in which the intention is to generate large amplitude oscillations by eliminating the dependence of the oscillations on inertia. According to the principle embodiment represented by circuit 200 pressure or temperature variations 27? drive pressure variations in vessel 11? causing a flow of further working fluid between vessel 11? and load 12? wherein useful work is consumed. Said flow varies out of phase with said pressure variations in vessel 11? by a first phase angle determined by inter alia the dissipative load 12? and the capacity of vessel 11?.

Abstract: A bearing support system for a piston and its connecting rod in which the bearing system supports the combined piston and connecting rod by only two bearings, a gas bearing at the power piston (or displacer) and a radially acting spring bearing at its connecting rod. The spacing between them meets prescribed relationships and preferably exceeds a calculated value based upon chosen engineering parameters. A non-compliant connecting rod is fixed to an end of a piston which has a clearance seal length in the range of 0.3 times the diameter of the piston and 1.5 times the diameter of the piston. The distance from the gas bearing to the effective point of connection of the radially acting spring bearing to the connecting rod is greater than the seal length of the piston.

Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes: an exhaust heat recovery unit that produces motive power by recovering thermal energy from exhaust heat, wherein the produced motive power is combined with motive power produced by a heat engine and is output together therewith; an auxiliary that is driven by at least the exhaust heat recovery unit; and a power transmission-switching device that is provided between the heat engine and the exhaust heat recovery unit, the same power transmission-switching device being provided between the heat engine and the auxiliary, and that cuts off the connection between the heat engine and the exhaust heat recovery unit when there is no request to drive the heat engine. Thus, it becomes possible to effectively use the surplus motive power produced by the exhaust heat recovery unit when there is no request to drive the heat engine.

Abstract: A 4-cycle Stirling engine is for carrying out thermal power processes or heat power and cold and heat pumping processes with two double piston units which move with a phase offset to each other.

Abstract: A thermodynamic engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature difference to a nonheat form of energy. Heat is directed through a heating loop in thermal contact with a first side of the thermodynamic engine. A second side of the thermodynamic engine is coupled to an environmental cooling loop in thermal contact with an environmental cooling device. The thermodynamic engine is operated to dispense heat from the second side of the thermodynamic engine through the environmental cooling loop into the environmental cooling device. Operation of the thermodynamic engine thereby generates the nonheat form of energy from the temperature difference established between the first side and the second side of the thermodynamic engine.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A Stirling machine comprising a reciprocating power piston with a power magnet, and a stator having a coil electromagnetically coupled to the power magnet. At least one spring magnet is arranged to provide an axial centring force on the piston. The spring magnet is fixed with respect to the stator.

Abstract: A split displacer piston assembly (1) in conjunction with a Stirling engine is disclosed. Said assembly comprises of two main parts, displacer dome (8) and displacer base (9). Within the displacer dome there are several heat shields (10). The displacer base has a piston ring assembly (12) installed in an outer perimeter groove and fixed between the displacer base and displacer dome is a displacer guide ring (11). In order to service and or replace these parts rapidly, the displacer dome and displacer base are fastened by threaded engagement.

Abstract: The invention refers to a thermo dynamic system able to capture heat from the surrounding environment and transform it in mechanical energy which is to be used partially for self functioning while the rest is saved for a consumer. The system can work with any heat source, but is also designed for very small temperature differences between the warm and the cold source, which makes it fit for working with non-conventional energy, especially solar energy. The system can be used to provide heat, mechanical energy or electrical energy to both small and large consumers.

Abstract: A method of externally modifying a Carnot engine cycle. A first step involves providing a heat exchange path between an external environment and a fluid circulating in a carnot engine. A second step involving permitting the carnot engine to draw from an endless supply of heat or cold in the external environment to regenerate the Carnot engine cycle as entropic losses are encountered and as differential heat energy is converted into power.