Abstract: A domestic combined heat and power generation system comprising a pair of Stirling engines mounted so that the vibrations of one substantially counteract the vibrations of the other. At least one engine burner heats the heads of the engines. An auxiliary burner provides additional heat. Gas and air are supplied to the engine burner and auxiliary burner controlled by a controller. A heat exchanger recovers heat from the exhaust gases from the engine burner and auxiliary burner and provide a heat output. An electrical output is provided from an alternator of each engine. The engines having a combined electrical power output of less than 2.5 kW.

Abstract: A domestic combined heat and power system comprising a Stirling engine and water heater in the form of a supplementary burner. The exhaust gas from the Stirling engine is used to preheat combustible gas entering the Stirling engine and subsequently used to heat the water. The water heater has a helical water duct towards the periphery of a housing. Separate parts of this duct are heated, in series, by the exhaust gas from the Stirling engine and the supplementary burner firing radially outwardly through the helical duct.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided, for connecting prime mover driven alternator to circuit that has an existing alternating current. Alternator is connected to circuit when minimum current flows to or from alternator. The actual current is measured by controller following connection and the value of this current is used to determine the optimal connection conditions when alternator is next connected. Alternator is disconnected by controller by running down prime mover, monitoring the current and stalling prime mover when the current flow is at a minimum.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided, for connecting prime mover driven alternator to circuit that has an existing alternating current. Alternator is connected to circuit when minimum current flows to or from alternator. The actual current is measured by controller following connection and the value of this current is used to determine the optimal connection conditions when alternator is next connected. Alternator is disconnected by controller by running down prime mover, monitoring the current and stalling prime mover when the current flow is at a minimum.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided, for connecting prime mover driven alternator to circuit that has an existing alternating current. Alternator is connected to circuit when minimum current flows to or from alternator. The actual current is measured by controller following connection and the value of this current is used to determine the optimal connection conditions when alternator is next connected. Alternator is disconnected by controller by running down prime mover, monitoring the current and stalling prime mover when the current flow is at a minimum.

Abstract: A splitter valve comprising an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve both having orifices. The relative position of these elements determines the split of the flow. The orifices are configured so that the relative split between the two streams has a linear relationship with the relative position of the inner element and outer sleeve. A perforate plate is provided across at least one outlet to laminarise the flow.

Abstract: A domestic combined heat and power system comprising a Stirling engine (1) and water heater in the form of a supplementary burner (17). The exhaust gas from the Stirling engine is used to preheat combustible gas entering the Stirling engine and subsequently used to heat the water. The water heater (15) has a helical water duct (41) towards the periphery of a housing (39). Separate parts of this duct are heated, in series, by the exhaust gas from the Stirling engine and the supplementary burner (17) firing radially outwardly through the helical duct.

Abstract: The heating appliance, and particularly a dchp system, comprising two burners (3, 17). A splitter valve (23) splits a stream of air (24) into two streams, one for each burner. Combustible fuel is mixed with the air. A controller controls the combustible fuel, and the splitter valve position, thereby controlling the portion of air fed to each burner.

Abstract: A heat transfer head (10) for a stirling engine is disclosed. The heat transfer head (10) comprises a plurality of external circumferential fins (30) projecting out from the heat transfer head (10). At least two of the adjacent fins (30) are arranged to be substantially parallel and such that some of the radiant heat received by one of the fins is reflected onto the other fin. A second set of fins (40) is provided above the circumferential fins. The second set of fins are arranged to enable combustion gases from a burner to pass upwards therebetween to enable heat to be absorbed from the passing combustion gases.

Abstract: The heating appliance, and particularly a dchp system, comprising two burners (3, 17). A splitter valve (23) splits a stream of air (24) into two streams, one for each burner. Combustible fuel is mixed with the air. A controller controls the combustible fuel, and the splitter valve position, thereby controlling the portion of air fed to each burner.

Abstract: A heat transfer head (10) for a stirling engine is disclosed. The heat transfer head (10) comprises a plurality of external circumferential fins (30) projecting out from the heat transfer head (10). At least two of the adjacent fins (30) are arranged to be substantially parallel and such that some of the radiant heat received by one of the fins is reflected onto the other fin. A second set of fins (40) is provided above the circumferential fins. The second set of fins are arranged to enable combustion gases from a burner to pass upwards therebetween to enable heat to be absorbed from the passing combustion gases.