Abstract: A combined heat and power system comprising a Stirling engine (1) the head (2) of which is heated by a burner. A heat exchanger (10) absorbs heat from exhaust gases from the burner which have heated the engine head. A supplementary burner (22, 23) generates additional heat which is directly absorbed by the heat exchanger. The supplementary burner is a multi-stage burner with separate stages (22, 23) which are independently controlled.

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: A splitter valve for splitting an inlet stream into a plurality of outlet streams. The valve comprising an inlet (31) and a plurality of outlets, one for each outlet stream. An outer sleeve (20) has a plurality of first outlet orifices (32, 33), one for each stream. An inner element (30) is moveably retained within the outer sleeve and has an inlet and a plurality of second outlet orifices (32, 33), one for each stream. The relative proportion of the inlet stream fed to each outlet is determined by the relative position of the inner element and outer sleeve. The first and second outlet orifices are shaped such that the flow through each outlet varies substantially linearly with the relative position of the inner element and outer sleeve.

Abstract: A combined heat and power system comprising a Stirling engine (1) the head (2) of which is heated by a burner. A heat exchanger (10) absorbs heat from exhaust gases from the burner which have heated the engine head. A supplementary burner (22, 23) generates additional heat which is directly absorbed by the heat exchanger. The supplementary burner is a multi-stage burner with separate stages (22, 23) which are independently controlled.

Abstract: A Stirling engine assembly (1) comprising a Stirling engine (4) having a head (8). A burner (7) surrounds the head and comprises a burner element on which a flame is sustained. The burner is fed with a combustible gas stream. A recuperator (20) preheats the gas stream with combustion products from the burner. A coolant circuit (32) is positioned to absorb heat, which is radiated from the back of the burner element away from the head, into a coolant stream separate from the gas stream.