Abstract: An energy conversion device includes a first acoustic wave generator, a second acoustic wave generator, and an output unit which are provided in a pipe member. The first acoustic wave generator has a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from electric energy, and converts the thermal energy generated by the thermal energy generator into acoustic energy to generate acoustic wave in working gas by a self-excited thermo acoustic vibration. The second acoustic wave generator converts thermal energy supplied from a heat supply source into acoustic energy and generates acoustic wave in working gas by a self-excited thermo acoustic vibration. The output unit converts the acoustic energy of the acoustic waves from the first acoustic wave generator and the second acoustic wave generator into cold energy to output.

Abstract: An energy conversion device includes a first acoustic wave generator, a second acoustic wave generator, and an output unit which are provided in a pipe member. The first acoustic wave generator has a thermal energy generator configured to generate thermal energy from electric energy, and converts the thermal energy generated by the thermal energy generator into acoustic energy to generate acoustic wave in working gas by a self-excited thermo acoustic vibration. The second acoustic wave generator converts thermal energy supplied from a heat supply source into acoustic energy and generates acoustic wave in working gas by a self-excited thermo acoustic vibration. The output unit converts the acoustic energy of the acoustic waves from the first acoustic wave generator and the second acoustic wave generator into cold energy to output.

Abstract: A heat exchange member comprising a liquid layer and a solid layer capable of conducting a heat exchange reaction with the liquid layer upon their solid-liquid contact at an interface between the solid layer and the solid layer, wherein the solid layer further comprises on a surface thereof which is contacted with the liquid layer a surface coating layer capable of reducing a difference of the vibration between a thermal vibration of the solid and a thermal vibration of the liquid, and the surface coating layer comprises a plurality of fibrous structures arranged on a surface of the solid layer, and a heat exchange apparatus using the heat exchange member.

Abstract: A counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus improves heat transport capability by imparting oscillatory displacement to a fluid located near a heat-generating element such that the fluid is directed toward the heat-generating element. Turning portions of serpentine flow paths are disposed to face the heat-generating element. The flow paths are stacked in multiple layers in the direction from the heat-generating element to the flow paths, and a plurality of flow paths are disposed adjacent to the heat-generating element in the direction of fluid oscillation.

Abstract: Means for a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material containing an AlN crystal mainly comprising AlN, and a production method thereof. In production, a molten aluminum layer is formed on an AlN substrate with at least its surface comprising AlN in an atmosphere of a non-oxidizing gas, and the molten aluminum layer is then heated in an atmosphere of N2 gas to form an AlN crystal which mainly comprises an AlN layer. The means are also a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material having an AlN crystal and an Al gradient layer, and a production method thereof. In production, a heating step of forming a molten aluminum layer on the AlN layer and heating it in an atmosphere of N2 gas is repeated at least twice or more. At this time, the amount of the N2 gas dissolved in the molten aluminum layer is decreased as the heating step is repeated.

Abstract: A steam engine has a pipe shaped fluid container, a heating and cooling devices respectively provided at a heating and cooling portions of the fluid container, and an output device connected to the fluid container, so that the output device is operated by the fluid pressure change in the fluid container, to generate an electric power. In such a steam engine, an inner radius “r1” of the cooling portion is made to almost equal to a depth “?1” of the thermal penetration, which is calculated by the following formula (1); ? 1 = 2 ? a 1 ? ( 1 ) wherein, “a1” is a heat diffusivity of the working fluid at its low pressure, and “?” is an angular frequency of the movement of the working fluid.

Abstract: Means for a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material 1 containing an AlN crystal 150 mainly comprising AlN, and a production method thereof. In production, a molten aluminum layer is formed on an AlN substrate 11 with at least its surface comprising AlN in an atmosphere of a non-oxidizing gas, and the molten aluminum layer is then heated in an atmosphere of N2 gas to form an AlN crystal 150 which mainly comprises an AlN layer 125. The means are also a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material having an AlN crystal and an Al gradient layer, and a production method thereof. In production, a heating step of forming a molten aluminum layer 15 on the AlN layer 125 and heating it in an atmosphere of N2 gas is repeated at least twice or more. At this time, the amount of the N2 gas dissolved in the molten aluminum layer is decreased as the heating step is repeated.

Abstract: The fluid drive unit includes a cylinder communicating with both end portions of a meandering passage formed in the heat transport device. In the cylinder, the piston is slidably arranged being capable of sliding in the axial direction. Fluid is charged in the spaces, which are provided on both sides of the piston, connected to the meandering passage. The solenoid coil, which is provided in the periphery of the side of the cylinder, periodically inverts the magnetic poles and reciprocates the piston in the cylinder. To drive the piston smoothly and reduce the amount of eccentricity, a pair of sliding members are provided at the end portions of the piston. When the fluid in the passage is vibrated by the movement of the piston, the apparent heat conductivity of the heat transport device is enhanced, and heat is quickly diffused from the heating body to the radiating portion.

Abstract: A fluid pump enabling circulation of a working fluid in a Rankine cycle system etc. without utilizing electrical energy and able to be realized at a low cost, provided with a water pump for pumping up working fluid (water) from a steam condenser of the Rankine cycle system and feeding it to a boiler, a fluid vessel, a heater heating and vaporizing working fluid in the vessel, and a cooler cooling and liquefying the steam obtained by vaporization at the heater. Further, the fluid vessel is provided with a vibrator storing expansion energy by the expansion pressure of the steam heated by the heater. When the cooler causes the steam to condense and the pressure falls, the energy stored in the vibrator is used to feed working fluid to the heater 12 where the working fluid is then heated.

Abstract: A liquid pump for circulating working fluid (water) in a Rankine cycle comprises a U-shaped fluid vessel having a bending pipe portion and a pair of straight pipe portions, wherein a heating device and a cooling device are provided at one of the straight pipe portions for heating and cooling the water in the fluid vessel. The liquid pump further has a discharge pipe portion and an inlet pipe portion, and check valves are respectively provided in the discharge and inlet pipe portions. The water is vaporized by a heating operation of the heating device to increase pressure of the working fluid in the pump, so that the working fluid is discharged. The vaporized working fluid is then cooled down by the cooling device to decrease the pressure of the working fluid in the pump, so that the working fluid is sucked into the pump.

Abstract: A counter-stream-mode oscillating-flow heat transport apparatus improves heat transport capability by imparting oscillatory displacement to a fluid located near a heat-generating element such that the fluid is directed toward the heat-generating element. Turning portions of serpentine flow paths are disposed to face the heat-generating element. The flow paths are stacked in multiple layers in the direction from the heat-generating element to the flow paths, and a plurality of flow paths are disposed adjacent to the heat-generating element in the direction of fluid oscillation.

Abstract: A steam engine has a pipe shaped fluid container, a heating and cooling devices respectively provided at a heating and cooling portions of the fluid container, and an output device connected to the fluid container, so that the output device is operated by the fluid pressure change in the fluid container, to generate an electric power. In such a steam engine, an inner radius “r1” of the cooling portion is made to almost equal to a depth “?1” of the thermal penetration, which is calculated by the following formula (1); ? 1 = 2 ? a 1 ? ( 1 ) wherein, “a1” is a heat diffusivity of the working fluid at its low pressure, and “?” is an angular frequency of the movement of the working fluid.

Abstract: A heat exchange member comprising a liquid layer and a solid layer capable of conducting a heat exchange reaction with the liquid layer upon their solid-liquid contact at an interface between the solid layer and the solid layer, wherein the solid layer further comprises on a surface thereof which is contacted with the liquid layer a surface coating layer capable of reducing a difference of the vibration between a thermal vibration of the solid and a thermal vibration of the liquid, and the surface coating layer comprises a plurality of fibrous structures arranged on a surface of the solid layer, and a heat exchange apparatus using the heat exchange member.

Abstract: An Al—AlN composite material, a heat exchanger and a related manufacturing method are disclosed. The Al—AlN composite material aluminum is manufactured by melting aluminum to allow a layer of melted aluminum to flow in an area over one surface of an AlN plate under an inactive gas atmosphere after which the layer of melted aluminum is solidified to form an Al plate bonded to the AlN plate. The heat exchanger includes the Al—AlN composite material forming at least part of a cooling medium flow passage with the AlN plate held in thermal contact with a heating body. The manufacturing method comprises melting aluminum to allow a layer of melted aluminum to flow in an area over one surface of an AlN plate under inactive gas atmosphere, and solidifying the layer of melted aluminum to form the Al plate bonded to the AlN plate.

Abstract: A steam engine has a pipe shaped fluid container, a heating and cooling devices respectively provided at a heating and cooling portions of the fluid container, and an output device connected to the fluid container, so that the output device is operated by the fluid pressure change in the fluid container, to generate an electric power. In such a steam engine, an inner radius “r1” of the cooling portion is made to almost equal to a depth “?1” of thermal penetration, which is calculated by the following formula (1); ? 1 = 2 ? a 1 ? ( 1 ) wherein, “a1” is a heat diffusivity of the working fluid at its low pressure, and “?” is an angular frequency of the movement of the working fluid.

Abstract: Means for a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material 1 containing an AlN crystal 150 mainly comprising AlN, and a production method thereof. In production, a molten aluminum layer is formed on an AlN substrate 11 with at least its surface comprising AlN in an atmosphere of a non-oxidizing gas, and the molten aluminum layer is then heated in an atmosphere of N2 gas to form an AlN crystal 150 which mainly comprises an AlN layer 125. The means are also a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material having an AlN crystal and an Al gradient layer, and a production method thereof. In production, a heating step of forming a molten aluminum layer 15 on the AlN layer 125 and heating it in an atmosphere of N2 gas is repeated at least twice or more. At this time, the amount of the N2 gas dissolved in the molten aluminum layer is decreased as the heating step is repeated.

Abstract: A heat transport medium includes a single solvent and fine particles 1 of a predetermined material dispersed in the solvent, and transports heat transferred from a heat transfer surface 5. Fine particles 1 includes one or more atoms, and structural substances 3 are arranged on a surface of fine particles 1 to protect it. Furthermore, structural substances 3 having a functional group capable of adsorbing onto fine particles 1 are floated around fine particles 1 in a state where structural substances are not adsorbed onto the fine particle. Also, structural substances 3 adsorbed onto the surface of fine particles 1 are arranged so as to form spaces which enable the floating structural substances 3 to adsorb around the fine particle.

Abstract: A free piston engine has a pair of pistons opposing to each other and movable in a cylinder, to form a combustion chamber between the pistons. A mixed gas of air and fuel is supplied into the combustion chamber and the mixed gas is auto-ignited when it is compressed by the pistons. A temperature and/or an air-fuel ratio of the mixed gas, and/or a pressure in the combustion chamber is detected to control displacements of the pistons, so that the mixed gas is auto-ignited at an optimum timing to efficiently operate the free piston engine.

Abstract: A steam engine has a looped fluid container, in which working fluid is filled. A heating device, a cooling device and an output device are arranged at the fluid container. A lower side valve is provided at a fluid passage of the fluid container between the heating device and the output device. An upper side valve is provided at another fluid passage of the fluid container between the cooling device and the output device. The upper and lower valves are respectively controlled to open and close the respective fluid passages at proper timings, to increase heat efficiency.

Abstract: A fluid pump enabling circulation of a working fluid in a Rankine cycle system etc. without utilizing electrical energy and able to be realized at a low cost, provided with a water pump for pumping up working fluid (water) from a steam condenser of the Rankine cycle system and feeding it to a boiler, a fluid vessel, a heater heating and vaporizing working fluid in the vessel, and a cooler cooling and liquefying the steam obtained by vaporization at the heater. Further, the fluid vessel is provided with a vibrator storing expansion energy by the expansion pressure of the steam heated by the heater. When the cooler causes the steam to condense and the pressure falls, the energy stored in the vibrator is used to feed working fluid to the heater 12 where the working fluid is then heated.