Abstract: A linear free piston Stirling machine having an overstroke prevention mechanism for the power piston. A resilient member is fixed to the casing which contacts the power piston 4 when its displacement exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: This invention teaches how to build heat engines that can work with low temperature heat sources with the input working fluid being air at ambient temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A Stirling engine A has a pressure container 1 filled with a working gas, a cylinder 2 secured inside the pressure container 1, a power piston 3 provided inside the cylinder 2, and a displacer 4a provided inside the cylinder 2 on the same axis as the power piston 3. The displacer 4 has a displacer piston 41a that slides inside the cylinder 2, and a rod 42a which is connected and fixed to the displacer piston 41a and placed through a slide hole 31 formed at the center of the power piston 3. The rod 42a is formed in the shape of a hollow pipe.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic array energy converter consists of heat driven thermoacoustic prime movers in parallel coupled by means of an acoustic cavity to a piezoelectric electrical generator whose output is rectified and fed to an energy storage element. The prime movers convert heat to sound in a resonator. The sound form a phase-locked array is converted to electricity by means of the piezoelectric element. The generated electric energy is converted to DC by means of a rectifier set and it is then stored in a battery or supercapacitor. The generated electric energy can also be converted to power line frequency.

Abstract: A rotary heat engine having a cylinder and a rotor having a rotating shaft rotatably placed in the cylinder. The cylinder has a heat receiving section for supplying heat to the inside of the cylinder and a heat radiating section for radiating heat from the inside. The engine also has an engine section body and an operation liquid storage section. A vaporized gas supply channel and a gas recovery channel communicating with the inside of the cylinder are provided, respectively, on the heat receiving section side and heat radiating section side of the cylinder in the engine section body. The operation liquid storage section is between the vaporized gas supply channel and the gas collection channel in order to aggregate and liquefy recovered gas and is installed such that both channels fluidly communicate with each other. Also, the operation liquid storage section has a heat insulation dam provided with a through hole for preventing backflow of fluid flowing inside.

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: Disclosed herein is a system for generating energy, comprising a first heat exchanger in communication with a first heat source; wherein the first heat exchanger contacts a transfer fluid that comprises a working fluid and an associating composition; and a first energy conversion device comprising a piston in reciprocatory communication with a cylinder; the cylinder comprising an inlet or an outlet valve in operative communication with a cam having multiple lobes; the cam permitting the expansion or compression of the working fluid in the cylinder two or more times in a single cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to power generation systems and methods for converting naturally occurring moist air into power and water, enabling generation of power without carbon combustion and without the release of green-house gasses which usually accompany thermodynamic power generation. According to one embodiment, a compressor module is used to greatly compress enriched water vapor drawn from the surrounding moist air. The compressed water vapor is then condensed into output water by a working fluid, while the heated working fluid is used in a Rankine-cycle power generation loop to turn a turbine and thereby create transmittable electrical power.

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: This invention relates to a method of operating an engine and, particularly to a method of determining the pressure of a working gas within a Stirling engine of a domestic combined heat and power unit relative to a pre-defined pressure. The present invention provides a method of determining the pressure of a gas within an engine relative to a pre-defined pressure of the gas, comprising measuring the power factor of electricity generated by the engine, comparing the measured power factor with a power factor determined to correspond to the power factor of electricity generated by the engine when operating at the pre-defined pressure and determining whether the measured power factor is less than the determined power factor. Variations in measured power factors may also be used to indicate faults in the engine.

Abstract: A dual-function system comprising a heat source and a Stirling engine movably secured to a motorized machine, where the Stirling engine is positionable to operate in a refrigeration mode and in a power generation mode. The Stirling engine is configured to transfer heat from an exhaust pipe of the motorized machine in the refrigeration mode, and to transfer heat from the heat source to generate electrical power in the power generation mode.

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 ? 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: Systems and methods for operating a thermodynamic engine are disclosed. The systems and methods may effect cyclic motion of a working fluid between hot and cold regions of a thermodynamic engine and inject a dispersible material into the working fluid at the hot or cold region during a heat-addition or heat-rejection process. The system and methods may also evacuate the dispersible material from the hot or cold region.

Abstract: A multistage Stirling engine 1 mounted on an automobile provided with an internal combustion engine has two cylinders 4 and 5. Displacer pistons 6 and 7 and power pistons 8 and 9 are slidably fitted in the two cylinders 4 and 5, respectively. The exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine and serving as a heating fluid flows sequentially through the cylinders 4 and 5 to heat helium gas serving as a working fluid of the Stirling engine. The cylinders 4 and 5 are disposed parallel to each other. Heaters 16 and 17, regenerative heat exchangers 18 and 19, and coolers 20 and 21 are installed between the cylinders 4 and 5. The multistage Stirling engine is flat and compact.

Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.

Abstract: A heat engine enclosed in a housing has two zones maintained at different temperatures. The first zone (“hot zone”) receives heat energy from an external power source. The second zone (“cold chamber zone”) is connected to the hot zone by two conduits, such that a fluid (e.g., air, water, or any other gas or liquid) filling the two zones can circulate between the two zones. The expansion of the fluid in the hot zone and the compression of the fluid in the cold zone drive a turbine to provide a power output. The fluid may be pressurized to enhance efficiency. In one embodiment, the turbine propels an axle in a rotational motion to transmit the power output of the heat engine to an electrical generator outside of the heat engine's housing. In one embodiment, the turbine includes a first set of blades and a second set of blades located in the hot zone and the cold zone, respectively.

Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine in which a piston reciprocates in a cylinder to generate motive power; and a Stirling engine that recovers the thermal energy of the exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine and converts the thermal energy into kinetic energy. The Stirling engine is united with the internal combustion engine. A heater that the Stirling engine includes is disposed in an exhaust manifold of the internal combustion engine. With this configuration, it is possible to restrict reduction in the power output from the exhaust heat recovery means.

Abstract: A vibration suppression apparatus includes a leaf spring having one end connected to one end in the vibrating direction of a Stirling refrigerator which is a reciprocating motion apparatus, a balance mass connected to the other end of the leaf spring, and a damper including a damping body connected to the balance mass and vibrating in phase with the balance mass. With this structure, the high-performance vibration suppression apparatus including the elastic body and the damper can be manufactured with a small size and at a low cost.

Abstract: A power plant with heat transfer, in which power is generated by an arbitrary number of heat engines, described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18, is disclosed. The heat engines (A) are arranged in series with a cooling medium (22) and a heating medium (30) passing through them in a counter flow principal. After exiting the last heat engine the heated-up cooling medium is used as a combustion air. The heating medium (30) exiting in the opposite direction the last heat engine (A) can be used further on for heating purposes or other heating consumers.

Abstract: Motor vehicle comprises a combustion engine with internal combustion of fuel and/or cold-flame product for driving the motor vehicle and thereby producing exhaust gas and an auxiliary power unit comprising an external burner and an expansion machine. A fuel tank with fuel provides energy to the burner and the combustion engine. The motor vehicle has a cold-flame-reactor with means for feeding the fuel from the fuel tank to the cold-flame reactor, and at least a portion of the fuel is pre-combusted to a cold-flame product in the cold-flame reactor.

Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus (functioning as a Stirling engine), which is installed in, for example, an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine and an exhaust passage of factory exhaust heat as restraining reduction in exhaust heat recovery efficiency, is installed in a device installing surface formed in the heat medium passage so that the device installing surface and a heater connecting side end surface of a high temperature side cylinder become parallel and the device installing surface and a cooler connecting side end surface of a low temperature side cylinder become parallel. The high temperature side cylinder is arranged at an upstream side of a direction of exhaust flow. The low temperature side cylinder is arranged at a downstream side of the high temperature side cylinder.

Abstract: A heating arrangement for heating a fluid, the arrangement comprising an elongate housing having a main axis. An inner chamber (21) for a first fluid surrounds the axis. A plurality of axially extending fins (22) project into the inner chamber. An exhaust gas inlet which receives exhaust gas, for example, from a Stirling engine, is provided at one end of the inner chamber. A supplementary burner (20) at the opposite end of the chamber is arranged to fire radially outwardly on to the fins. An outer chamber (30) for a second fluid surrounds the inner chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stirling engine, which is capable of reducing a frictional loss and eliminating possibility of deterioration of a heat exchanger due to lubricant oil applied to piston rings and the like. The stirling engine includes cylinders (22,32), pistons (21,31) reciprocating inside the cylinder while keeping an air-tight condition between the piston and the cylinder by means of a gas bearing (48), and an linear approximation mechanism (50) coupled directly or indirectly to the piston and disposed so that the piston may make approximately linear motion when the piston reciprocates inside the cylinder. The stirling engine has a piston engine which is in a ringless (i.e., without piston rings) and oilless (i.e., without lubricant oil) state so as to reduce the frictional loss and to prevent the deterioration of the heat exchanger by the lubricant oil.

Abstract: A Stirling engine, wherein the inner yoke of a linear motor is installed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylinder. To keep a proper pressure balance between a compression space on one end side of a displacer and a back pressure space on the outer peripheral side of the cylinder, a first flow passage is formed in the piston starting at the compression space side end face toward the outer peripheral surface and a second flow passage allowing the first flow passage to communicate with the back pressure space is formed in the cylinder. The second flow passage is composed of a through hole that penetrates the wall of the cylinder in a radial direction and a communication passage formed between the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and the inner peripheral surface of the inner yoke to allow the through hole to communicate with the back pressure space.

Abstract: A high efficient stirling engine with excellent thermal efficiency, which can increase the heating temperature of a high temperature section, is obtained by preventing the heat from being lost in a member connecting the high temperature section and a low temperature section. The high temperature section 5 and the member (a regenerator housing 16) connecting the high temperature section and the low temperature section are formed to have a split configuration by using different materials for the each, in which the high temperature section 5 is formed of a heat resistant/high heat conductive material having high heat resistance property and high heat conductivity, the regenerator housing 16 connecting the high temperature section 5 and the low temperature section 7 is formed of a heat resistant/low heat conductive material having low heat conductivity, and the both are bonded integrally to each other to obtain an integral sealed structure.

Abstract: The Stirling-Electric Hybrid automobile herein disclosed utilizes an electric drive motor which is powered by electric storage device. The electric storage device is kept at suitable charge by electric generator mechanically driven by external combustion of Stirling engine type, by thermoelectric generator thermally coupled to the exhaust of the Stirling engine and to kinetic energy recovery system which during deceleration of the automobile utilizes the electric drive motor as a generator and recovering the electrical energy generated by deceleration to the electric storage device. Almost any clean combusting liquid or gaseous fuel may be utilized by the Stirling engine with greater fuel economy and less atmospheric pollution than internal combustion engines presently used. The utilization of thermoelectric generator to recover heat from exhaust of the Stirling engine and utilization of kinetic energy recovery system provides even better fuel efficiency and reduced pollution.

Abstract: A crosshead assembly in conjunction with a Stirling engine is disclosed. The assembly comprises a displacer piston (1), displacer rod (8), power piston (2), power piston crosshead assembly (2), displacer piston crosshead assembly (7), displacer crosshead connecting rod (6) and power crosshead connecting rod (5). In order to achieve a compact design, the displacer crosshead (7) and the power crosshead (2) are placed concentrically in such a way that the displacer crosshead oscillates within or partly within the power crosshead.

Abstract: A system for generating power including a Stirling engine, and a high temperature source thermally coupled to a hot chamber of the Stirling engine wherein the high temperature source comprises heat from below the earth's surface. In an embodiment of the system, the high temperature source may be a dry hole, oil well, or gas well.

Abstract: A heat engine enclosing a chamber in a housing has two zones maintained at different temperatures. The first zone receives heat energy from an external power source. The second zone is connected to the hot zone by two conduits, such that a fluid (e.g., air, water, or any other gas or liquid) filling the chamber can circulate between the two zones. The expansion of the fluid in the hot zone and the compression of the fluid in the cold zone drive the rotation of the housing to provide a power output. The fluid may be pressurized to enhance efficiency. A cooling fluid provided in a stationary reservoir maintains a preferred operating temperature difference between the hot zone and the cold zone. A heat storage structure containing a fluid with a high heat capacity may be provided as a heat reservoir.

Abstract: A Stirling engine assembly comprising a Stirling engine having a generally cylindrical head. An annular burner surrounds the head and defines a combustion chamber between the burner and head. An annular seal between the burner and head provides a seal for combustion gases. A thermocouple housing is in thermal contact with the head and sealed from the combustion chamber. The thermocouple housing extends out of the combustion chamber, with the interface between the thermocouple housing and combustion chamber being sealed. The thermocouple housing has an opening outside the combustion chamber. A thermocouple in the thermocouple housing extends from a location adjacent to the head out of the opening in the thermocouple housing.

Abstract: In a Stirling engine, a casing houses therein component elements of the Stirling engine, including a high-temperature-side cylinder, a high-temperature-side piston, a connecting rod, a crankshaft, etc. A pressure control device determines whether the pressure of the gas charged in the casing has declined. If the pressure of the gas has declined, the pressure control device drives a pump to pressurize the gas charged in the casing.

Abstract: A synchronous reaction cell, rotating as a unit, disassociates hydrogen from water, traps and filters hydrogen, mixes and pressurizes hydrogen and ingested carbon, hydrogenates carbon by surface catalysis, isolates and exhausts liquid hydrocarbon products above a desired density, recirculates gaseous products for further reaction, and expands steam through a turbine to produce rotation and turn an electrical generator. Solar energy focused by heliostats is one means of supplying process heat. Burning natural gas or another fossil fuel in oxygen freed by the disassociation of water provides alternative sources of heat. The reaction cell has a vertical axis-of-rotation making it conducive to mounting on a tower disposed at the center of an array of heliostats. The rotating reaction cell has a large, cylindrical heat-absorbing surface. Electrical output might be used to aim heliostats. Excess electrical generation might be added to the local electrical grid and sold for its value.

Abstract: A thermal hydro-machine on hot gas with recirculation (FIGS. 3, 4 and 5) belongs to the group of multi-cylinder piston rotational machines for converting the heat into the mechanical work. The heat is conducted to on the outer side of one part of rotational tubular heat exchanger (1) and is simultaneously conducted away from the other part of same exchanger (1). The exchanger is composed of a set of independent segment collectors (1) arranged in the form of a cylindrical shell, made pair wise with a set of independent segment cylinders with free pistons (2) in which there is the independent gas under pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient way of cooling of the microelectronic devices and converting the heat back into the electrical power. With addition of the ambient-air heat exchanger the system generates enough power to completely satisfy the demand of the microelectronic device and replace the electric battery with the cryogenic storage vessel.

Abstract: A power structure for a power-saving engine prevents the piston from being excessively expanded and shrunk, and rapidly stores thermal energy to preheat fluid and reduce power consumption. The power structure for a power-saving engine includes a piston base having four piston areas, four cylinders, four power pistons, and a link mechanism. The piston base has a first fluid channel, and a second fluid channel. The cylinder has a cylinder cover, a cylinder jacket, and a heater. The power piston has a piston body and an airflow channel. The piston body has a piston head and an exhauster. The power piston moves between the cylinder and the moving area. The link mechanism has piston links that correspond and link to the power pistons. The piston links operate at different phases. The piston links link to the power pistons and move the power pistons to generate mechanical energy.

Abstract: A Stirling engine-equipped cogeneration system is capable of utilizing thermal energy, without waste, and of offering high thermal usage efficiency at every stage of the thermal energy utilization process.

Abstract: Ceramic cowlings that are used as the connection between a hot gas source and a Stirling engine or a turbine. The ceramic cowling is designed and fabricated with non-dusting, high temperature, dense, low thermal expansion ceramic. It must also be highly resistant to thermal shock. Also, a combination of a ceramic cowling and a shroud for covering and holding the ceramic cowling on a Stirling engine or turbine such that hot gases can flow through the ceramic cowling and into the heat exchanger coil of the Stirling engine and exhaust in a controllable manner. A method of enhancing the power efficiency of a Stirling engine and with systems including the use of at least one enhanced power Stirling engine.

Abstract: A free walking beam that uses the principles of the Stirling cycle to drive a piston reciprocatatively through a housing cylinder to pivot alternately around a pair of parallel power output shafts to provide a high torque means of generating mechanical energy. The heat differential required for the Stirling cycle is provided by an external heat source such as ambient heat, solar-heated fluid, or recovered waste heat that is applied to the lower end of the housing cylinder when in a substantially vertical position that elevates the piston to the opposing end thereof to create an imbalanced state thereby initiating the rotational freefall of the superior end of the housing cylinder which drives the power output shaft on which it is pivoting. The process is then repeated with the other power output shaft.

Abstract: A system for distributed utilities including electrical power and water. A generation device is provided for converting an available resource to a desired utility; the resource may be water, in which case the generator is a purifier for purifying untreated water, or, alternatively, the generator may convert a fuel to electrical power. In either case, an input sensor is provided for measuring input to the generation device, while an output sensor is provided for measuring consumption of output from the generation device. The monitoring system has a controller for concatenating measured input and consumption of output on the basis of the input and output sensors. Measured parameters are telemetered to a remote site where utility generation and use are monitored and may also be controlled.

Abstract: There is provided a micro power generator enhanced in efficiency and power generation output, and having an increased temperature range for operation. The micro power generator comprises: a high-temperature heat source; a low-temperature heat source; an enclosed body containing a working substance therein, the enclosed body being deformable by means of a phase change of the working substance between a first shape wherein heat can be transferred from the high-temperature heat source and a second shape wherein heat can be transferred to the low-temperature heat source; a permanent magnet constituting the enclosed body, the permanent magnet being maintained in a first position when the enclosed body has the first shape and in a second position when the enclosed body has the second shape; and a wire in which an electric current is induced by a movement of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A heat engine enclosing a chamber in housing has two zones maintained at different temperatures. The first zone receives heat energy from an external power source. The second zone is connected to the hot zone by two conduits, such that a fluid (e.g., air, water, or any other gas or liquid) filling the chamber can circulate between the two zones. The expansion of the fluid in the hot zone and the compression of the fluid in the cold zone drive the rotation of the housing to provide a power output. The fluid may be pressurized to enhance efficiency. A cooling fluid provided in a stationary reservoir maintains a preferred operating temperature difference between the hot zone and the cold zone. A heat storage structure containing a fluid with a high heat capacity may be provided as a heat reservoir.

Abstract: A heat power device includes a Stirling engine and at least one heat pipe, in which the heat pipe is used to drive the Stirling engine to operate. A piston seat of the Stirling engine has a surface to be heated, and the condensed end of the heat pipe is brought into contact with the surface to be heated. At least one heat pipe is used to absorb single heat source or a plurality of heat pipes are used to absorb a plurality of heat sources. The heat generated by the heat source is transferred to the Stirling engine. In this way, after the heat pipe is brought into contact with the heat source, the Stirling engine can be driven to operate.

Abstract: A thermal machine that can function as either a refrigerator or an external combustion heat engine is disclosed. A working gas undergoes four thermodynamic processes that comprise a Brayton cycle. Two of these processes, adiabatic compression and adiabatic expansion, take place in the same cylinder, within which a piston, driven by a crankshaft, reciprocates. The remaining two processes, each of which is a transfer of heat at constant pressure, take place in a high pressure heat exchanger and a low pressure heat exchanger. A rotary valve, rotating at one-half crankshaft speed, creates passages between the cylinder and the heat exchangers, and is constructed so that compression and expansion ratios are equal.

Abstract: An external combustion engine comprises a container (11) with a working liquid (12) sealed therein in a state adapted to flow, a heater (13) for heating and vaporizing the working liquid (12) in the container (11), and a cooler (14) for cooling and liquefying the vapor of the working liquid (12) heated and vaporized by the heater (13). The displacement of the working liquid (12) caused by the vapor volume change is output as mechanical energy by being converted into the mechanical energy. A pressure regulating liquid (18) is sealed in a pressure regulating container (16) communicating with the container (11). A pressure regulating unit (19) regulates the internal pressure (Pt) of the pressure regulating container (16).

Abstract: An external combustion engine comprising a container (11) sealed with a working liquid (12) in a way adapted to allow the liquid to flow therein, a heating unit (13, 30) for heating and vaporizing the working liquid (12) in the container (11), and a cooling unit (14) for cooling and liquefying the vapor of the working liquid (12) heated and vaporized by the heating unit (13, 30) is disclosed, wherein the displacement of the working liquid (12) caused by the volume change of the vapor is output by being converted into mechanical energy. A pressure regulating unit (16, 60, 63) regulates the internal pressure (Pc) of the container (11). A control unit (21) controls the pressure regulating unit (16, 60, 63) based on at least the temperature (T1) of the heated portion (11a) of the container (11) for vaporizing the working liquid (12). The control unit (21) calculates the temperature (T1) based on at least the heat quantity (Q) applied from the heating unit (13 30) to the working liquid (12).

Abstract: An external combustion engine is disclosed, comprising a container (11) for sealing a working liquid (12) in a way adapted to allow the liquid to flow therein, a heater (13) for heating and vaporizing the working liquid (12) in the container (11), and a cooler (14) for cooling and liquefying the vapor of the working liquid (12) heated and vaporized by the heater (13). The displacement of the working liquid (12) caused by the volume change of the vapor of the working liquid (12) is output by being converted into mechanical energy. In the heated portion (11d) of the container (11) for vaporizing the working liquid (12), the direction of displacement of the working liquid (12) at the parts (17, 19) far from the cooler (14) is changed with respect to the direction of displacement at the part (16) near to the cooler (14).

Abstract: In a steam engine 1, an inner wall face 22a of a connecting tube portion 22 is entirely formed out of a water repellent finish face 22b. Accordingly, when liquid located in a portion close to a heater 30 in a vertical direction extending tube 12 is heated, boiled and liquefied, a liquid level of the liquid in the vertical direction extending tube 12 is pushed down from a top dead center Lu to a bottom dead center Lb. At this time, a quantity of liquid drops attached onto the inner wall face 22a of the connecting tube portion 22 can be reduced as compared with a case in which the entire inner wall face 22a of the connecting tube portion 22 is not formed out of a water repellent finish face 22b.

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: Through stroke control whereby the stroke of a piston is detected and controlled to be equal to a target stroke, the piston is prevented from colliding with a displacer, and the refrigerating performance of a Stirling refrigerator is enhanced. Different target strokes corresponding to different operation conditions of the Stirling refrigerator are stored in a storage portion in a control box, so that a linear motor can be driven with a target stroke that suits the current operation condition. Thus, the piston is prevented from colliding with a displacer, and the refrigerating performance of a Stirling refrigerator is further enhanced.

Abstract: A four-cycle, four-cylinder, premixed charge compression ignition internal combustion reciprocating free piston engine with a variable piston stroke and a compression ratio that varies as needed to provide charge ignition, to offer the potential of higher efficiency, lower emissions, and multi-fuel operation. The engine does not have a crankshaft, and therefore does not provide direct rotary output. Instead its free pistons oscillate, in a manner similar to a two cycle free piston engine. For many applications, such as piston pumps and compressors, the engine provides an output directly driven by the oscillating pistons. In other applications, such as but not limited to use as a gas generator for a power turbine, the engine provides an indirect means of producing rotary power. When the engine is used with high-speed power turbines, the power turbine may be directly coupled to a high-speed alternator for electrical power output.