Abstract: An alpha type Stirling engine, comprising four pistons housed in respective chambers for reciprocating movement, at least two linear motors/generators configured to cause said pistons to move in the respective chambers, each one of said pistons defining in its respective chamber a primary chamber side located on one side of the piston and a secondary chamber side located on the other side of the piston. The Stirling engine comprises two primary gas channels, each one fluidly interconnecting two primary chamber sides. The Stirling engine also comprises two secondary gas channels, each one fluidly interconnecting two secondary chamber sides in different chamber combinations than the interconnections achieved by the primary gas channels.

Abstract: A rod seal assembly for a machine includes a crosshead and a sealed oscillating piston rod.

Abstract: A system for controlling the power output of a Stirling is provided that includes a hot heat source and a cold heat sink. A control unit receives a first temperature signal representative of a measured temperature of the hot heat source and a second temperature signal representative of a measured temperature of the cold heat sink. A look-up table provides a representation of the power output as a function of the mean engine pressure, pie, and the operating frequency, ƒ, of the Stirling engine. The values of the power output in the look-up table have been determined for predefined temperatures of the hot heat source and the cold heat sink. The control unit is configured to, based on the received temperature signals, recalculate the values of the power output and update the look-up table accordingly, and to control the power output by controlling the mean engine pressure, pie, and the operating frequency, ƒ, based on the updated look-up table.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage system is provided that includes a container for containing a phase change material, a jacket connected to the exterior of the container. A compartment is formed between the jacket and the container, the jacket having an inlet for receiving a heat transfer fluid into the compartment and an outlet for discharging heat transfer fluid from the compartment. Thermal energy is transferred from the heat transfer fluid present in the compartment to the phase change material, and a flow guide provided in the compartment for guiding and distributing the heat transfer fluid that enters through the inlet. At least one side of the flow guide is welded to the jacket. The flow guide includes a concealing portion which extends from the at least one side. The concealing portion extends across the inlet and is spaced apart from the inlet.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage is provided that includes a first container for a phase change material and a jacket connected to the first container. A space is formed between the jacket and the first container, a heating chamber is provided that includes a heating device, the heating chamber being in fluid communication with the jacket, a second container for a heat transfer fluid, a pump arrangement for pumping the heat transfer fluid from the second container, via the heating chamber, and to the said space formed between the jacket and the first container, in order to cause thermal energy to be transferred between the heat transfer fluid and the phase change material. The heating chamber has a projecting portion that extends through a wall of the second container such that a connecting interface between the pump arrangement and the heating chamber is located inside the second container. If any heat transfer fluid leaks through the connecting interface it remains in the second container.