Abstract: A thermoacoustic refrigeration assembly includes a resonating tube having a first end and a second end; a first mechanical oscillator at the first end; a second mechanical oscillator at the second end; and a thermoacoustic stack sandwich disposed along a length of the resonating tube through which gas travels. The stack sandwich includes a first outboard heat exchanger on a first side of the stack sandwich facing the first mechanical oscillator, a second outboard heat exchanger on a second side of the stack sandwich facing the second mechanical oscillator, and a center heat exchanger disposed between the first outboard heat exchanger and the second outboard heat exchanger.

Abstract: An example system for deployment of a compacting head in a waste compartment includes an eutectic alloy fusible link positioned within a waste compartment that breaks at or above a predetermined temperature, a spring tensioned deploy lever that is deployed based on a break of the eutectic alloy fusible link, a pivotal joint assembly that collapses based on deployment of the deploy lever, and a compacting head of a trash compactor that is deployed to compact contents of the waste compartment based on collapse of the pivotal joint assembly.

Abstract: A rotary heat engine including a central crankshaft and a plurality of cylinder assemblies and a heat exchanger assembly. At least one of the plurality of cylinders, and preferably all of the plurality of cylinders includes a cylinder member, a piston member slidably positionable within the cylinder member, a connecting rod and a rolling diaphragm. The rolling diaphragm is positioned between the piston and the cylinder assembly to define a working volume which is in fluid communication with an opening that is in communication with the heat exchanger body.

Abstract: A heat pump includes a first chamber, a second chamber fluidly coupled with the first chamber, a first and a second spray devices. The first and second chambers contain working fluid flowable between the first and second chambers via a flow passage between the first and second chambers, and a first and a second space above a portion of the working fluid that is within the first and second chambers. First spray device is coupled with the first chamber to heat or cool the first space in the first chamber. Second spray device is coupled with the second chamber to heat or cool the second space in the second chamber. At least one of the heating and cooling of the first space may cause at least one of a compression or expansion of the second space, which may drive a power-extraction unit coupled with the second chamber.

Abstract: The articulated plenum (1) forms an intake pipe (3) which is ended with tight ball joint links (16) held by restraining means (17), said plenum (1) connecting a heat source (39) to an expansion cylinder (32) and including a plenum inlet orifice (4), a plenum outlet orifice (6) which receives a valve seat (9), and an actuator orifice (8) which receives an intake valve actuator (50) which controls a valve (10), the latter engaging with the valve seat (9) to close the intake pipe (3).

Abstract: The invention described herein provides new devices suitable for effectively converting relatively low temperature differences into useful work (e.g., for generating electrical power), related systems, and methods of using and developing such devices/systems. The devices are characterized in, inter alia, comprising an at least partially enclosed moveable component (e.g., a piston), a closed pressurized gas system comprising sizeable void spaces, and a closed temperature modifying liquid system having portions that obtain temperature characteristics from two sources, which are alternatingly dispensed as droplets into the pressurized gas, creating a pressure/temperature difference in the gas which causes the moveable component to move back and forth along a stroke distance that does not include the void spaces, the pressure of the gas and liquid being at substantially balanced when the device is ready for operation.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic transducer apparatus is disclosed including at least one thermal converter operable to provide power conversion between acoustic power and thermal power in a pressurized working gas contained within a working volume, a portion of which extends through the thermal converter. The thermoacoustic transducer is operable to cause a periodic flow in the working gas during operation. The apparatus also includes a reservoir volume in fluid communication with the working volume through a conduit having a working volume end in fluid communication with the working volume and a reservoir volume end in fluid communication with the reservoir volume.

Abstract: A near-adiabatic engine has four stages in a cycle: a means of near adiabatically expanding the working fluid during the downstroke (expansion stroke); a means of cooling the working fluid at Bottom Dead Center (BDC); a means of near adiabatically compressing that cooled fluid from the lower pressure/temperature level at BDC to the higher level at Top Dead Center (TDC); and finally, a means of passing that working fluid back into the high pressure/temperature source in a balanced condition with minimal resistance to that flow.

Abstract: A power generation device includes a first chamber, a second chamber coupled with the first chamber, a first and a second spray devices. The first and second chambers contain working fluid flowable between the first and second chambers via a flow passage between the first and second chambers, and a first and a second space above a portion of the working fluid that is within the first and second chambers. First spray device is coupled with the first chamber to heat or cool the first space in the first chamber. Second spray device is coupled with the second chamber to heat or cool the second space in the second chamber. At least one of the heating and cooling of the first space may cause at least one of a compression or expansion force of the second space, which may drive a power-extraction unit coupled with the second chamber.

Abstract: A power generation system comprising: a liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification unit configured to perform a regasification process to regasify LNG supplied from an LNG source to produce natural gas, the regasification process producing cold energy; a gas turbine configured to combust the natural gas to output power, the combusting producing an exhaust gas; a thermal storage unit configured to store heat obtained from the exhaust gas; and a Stirling engine configured to output power, the Stirling engine having a hot end heated by the heat stored in the thermal storage unit and a cold end cooled by the cold energy from the regasification process.

Abstract: A high efficiency uniflow steam engine with automatic inlet and exhaust valves rather than camshaft operated valves includes an electromagnet and cooperating armature that actuates a cutoff control valve for closing a steam inlet valve at any time selected to stop the flow of steam to the cylinder. Approaching the end of the exhaust stroke typically 0.12 inch before TDC the cylinder is sealed thereby compressing the remaining residual steam down to a minute clearance approaching zero, for example, 0.020 inch to raise cylinder steam pressure enough to open the steam inlet valve without physical contact between the piston and the steam inlet valve thereby eliminating tappet noise, shock and wear.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger, a variable valve timing mechanism, a variable compression ratio mechanism, and an electronic control unit that controls the variable compression ratio mechanism such that the mechanical compression ratio becomes a target mechanical compression ratio and controls the variable valve timing mechanism such that the valve closing timing of the intake valve becomes a target valve closing timing. The electronic control unit brings the target valve closing timing close to an intake bottom dead center and make the target mechanical compression ratio low, compared to a steady state after the intake pressure reaches a target pressure, in a transient state before the intake pressure reaches the target pressure in a case where the intake pressure is increased to the target pressure higher than an atmospheric pressure by the turbocharger.

Abstract: A system for electricity generation using heat contained in exhaust gas from a combustor (enclosed flare) to drive an external combustion Stirling cycle engine which directly drives at least one alternator or generator. A battery is connected to the alternator or generator through a divider circuit followed by a filter circuit. Electric power distribution circuits are electrically connected to output circuits of the alternators or generators for consumption of the electric power on-site, for sale to a commercial electric power distribution grid, or for any other desired uses.

Abstract: System and method for converting energy; the system comprising: an acoustic resonator; a phase-exchange device configured for forming across a section of said resonator a concentration gradient of a first substance in a gaseous medium contained by said resonator, to thereby generate a pressure wave within said resonator; and a conversion device for converting mechanical energy constituted by said pressure wave to non-mechanical energy.

Abstract: A thermal torque engine comprising a hot box heated by a thermal agent and a wheel having a plurality of peripherally mounted canisters with diametrically opposed canisters connected by a conduit. One of the pair of canisters having a quantity of refrigerant that is pressurized when within the hot box. The pressurized refrigerant moves to the cooler canister with the process continuing for subsequent paired canisters as long as there is a predetermined thermal difference between the interior and exterior of the hot box.

Abstract: The “Energy Converter using Stirling Cycle” refers to the present invention patent request for constructive systems in general, more specifically for an “Energy Converter using Stirling Cycle”, which provides mechanical energy by means of conversion carried out by means of the heat flow passage from a thermal energy source to a gas that circulates between sealed units. The system is composed of one or more pairs of chambers, called sealed units, which transfer heat to the gas in alternate way between themselves, by means of the controlled movement of a rotor in the shape of an escutcheon, which exposed the gas between the hot and cold plates alternately so that the gas between the chambers expands and contracts cyclically generating the driving force.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooling internal components of a down-hole well drilling apparatus. Components of the well drilling apparatus are encased in an inner canister that is further encased in an outer canister creating a void between the inner canister and the outer canister. Further, a plurality of moveable barriers is disposed between the inner canister and the outer canister and contains a heat transfer fluid. A plurality of agitators add mechanical energy to the plurality of moveable barriers compressing and expanding, while repositioning, the heat transfer fluid and creating a heat pump based on a reverse Stirling cycle to remove heat from the cooler inner canister and transfer the heat to the hotter environment outside the outer canister.

Abstract: A thermal actuator is provided and includes an expansion material disposed and configured to move a movable element from a first movable element position toward a second movable element position in accordance with an expansion condition of the expansion material. The expansion material includes an inorganic salt mixture or a metal oxide mixture.

Abstract: An actuator includes a capturing part, a retained part and a heating element which applies heat to the retained part or the capturing part responsive to selective application of power to the at least one heating element. The capturing part attaches to a first object and has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part attaches to a second object and has a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The retained part is insertable into the capturing part in a first state of the actuator. The retained part is held in contact with the capturing part via an interference fit to hold the first and second objects proximate to each other in a second state. The retained part is ejected from the capturing part in a third state. Applying heat via the heating element causes a transition between the second and the first or third states of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Stirling engine capable of effectively recovering heat from exhaust gas flowing through a flue, and connecting a heating portion 10 and a regeneration portion 5 with each other through an operation gas tube without providing a flow passage separating portion 110, and the heating portion 10 includes a heating portion head 10a and a heat-transfer tube group, the heating portion head 10a includes first through holes 30R and second through holes 30S, the first through holes 30R are formed closer to a center region of the heating portion head 10a as compared with the second through holes 30S, one ends of U-shaped tubes are mounted in the first through holes 30R and the other ends of them are mounted in the second through holes 30S, and parallel exhaust gas flow passages is formed between the U-shaped tubes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoacoustic engine having: resonance pipes including a working gas; motors; and a branch pipe, where each of the motors has a regenerator, a heater, and a cooler, a temperature gradient is given between both ends of the regenerator to generate self-excited oscillation of the working gas, a channel cross-sectional area of the resonance pipe that is coupled to the heater is expanded by a same amplification factor of a work flow based on the self-excited oscillation or by an amplification factor within a range of ±30% of the amplification factor of the work flow to a channel cross-sectional area of a resonance pipe that is coupled to the cooler, and a channel cross-sectional area of the regenerator is set by 4 to 36 times of the channel cross-sectional area of the resonance pipe that is coupled to the cooler.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing mechanical movement and then converting the same into electrical energy through expansion and compression of a medium.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system comprises a first region and a second region having a temperature difference therebetween. A heat engine is configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy. The heat engine includes a first discrete element of a shape memory alloy having a crystallographic phase changeable between austenite and martensite in response to the temperature difference between the first region and the second region. The first discrete element of the shape memory alloy expands and contracts in response to the phase change to exert a linear force. A motion conversion mechanism is operatively connected to the first discrete element to be driven by the linear force and a component is driven by the motion conversion mechanism.

Abstract: A power generation apparatus that suppress cavitation includes a first on/off valve provided between a steam generator and an expander in a circulating channel; a bypass channel connected between an area between the steam generator and the first on/off valve and an area between the expander and a condenser; a second on/off valve provided in the bypass channel; a third on/off valve provided between a pump and the steam generator; and a controller. When stopping the pump, the controller outputs a control signal that stops the pump, a control signal that closes the first on/off valve, a control signal that opens the second on/off valve, and a control signal that closes the third on/off valve. In the case where a predetermined condition has been met, the controller outputs a control signal that closes the second on/off valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-stage double-acting traveling-wave thermoacoustic system, comprising three elementary units, each elementary unit comprises a linear motor and a thermoacoustic conversion device; the linear motor comprises a piston and a cylinder, the piston can perform a straight reciprocating motion in the cylinder; each thermoacoustic conversion device comprises a main heat exchanger and a heat regenerator connected in sequence, and the heat regenerator is of a ladder structure; a set of a non-normal-temperature heat exchanger, a thermal buffer tube and an auxiliary heat exchanger is connected at each ladder of the heat regenerator; and the main heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger of each thermoacoustic conversion device are connected to cylinder cavities of different linear motors respectively forming a loop structure for flow of a gas medium.

Abstract: Provided is a consumer to industrial scale energy trigeneration process based microgrid combined cooling, heat and power. The present invention includes conversion, processing, extraction and/or storage systems for electrical, chemical and thermal energy. The invention provides a quintessential renewable energy ecosystem incorporating vital energy generation, thermal heating and cooling processes with integrated components installed to encompass a distributed renewable energy generation, energy storage and integrated automation system. The automation system of the invention provides the ability to view, monitor, analyze, control and interact with system components.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a chamber having a longitudinal centerline, inlet valving operable to admit constituents of a combustible mixture into the chamber for combustion therein to provide a pressure increase and outlet valving operable to release an outflow of liquid from the chamber under the influence of that pressure increase as an energy output of the chamber. The chamber has a flowpath defined therein for flow of the liquid towards the outlet valving. The flowpath diverges from centerline in a downstream direction thereof and has a cross-section area in a direction perpendicular to the centerline that remains substantially equal or decreases in the downstream direction of the flowpath.

Abstract: An improved free piston Stirling machine having a gamma configuration. The displacer and each piston is reciprocatable within a cylinder having an unobstructed opening at its inner end into a common volume of the workspace. The common volume is defined by the intersection of inward projections of the displacer cylinder and the piston cylinders. The displacer and the pistons each have a range of reciprocation that extends into the common volume. A displacer drive rod is reciprocatable in a drive rod cylinder and both are positioned outside the common volume and on the opposite side of the common volume from the displacer. The displacer is connected to the displacer drive rod by a displacer connecting rod. Importantly, the displacer and pistons have complementary interfacing surface contours formed on their inner ends which substantially reduces the dead volume of this gamma configured machine.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator includes, but is not limited to a pressurized gas source, a cylinder, and a piston which is moveable between a rest position and an extended position. Together with the cylinder, the piston borders a first working chamber which is connected with the pressurized gas source via a first inlet opening and which can be pressurized with a first portion of the pressurized gas of the pressurized gas source for moving the piston out of the rest position, and a second working chamber which is connected with the pressurized gas source via a second inlet opening for moving the piston into the rest position and which can be pressurized in a delayed manner with a second portion of the pressurized gas.

Abstract: An energy system operable to generate mechanical energy. The energy system comprises a cluster of elongated energy cells. The energy cells are arranged parallel to each other in their longitudinal direction in a cylinder block means. Each energy cell is operable to generate mechanical energy when a phase change material (PCM) changes from solid phase to liquid phase, wherein the phase change material expands when changing from solid phase to liquid phase. The energy system also comprises a cylinder head means and a cylinder bottom means, both connected to the cylinder block means.

Abstract: A heat engine includes: a high-temperature space portion and a low-temperature space portion, each of which has a working gas with a different temperature range from each other; a regenerator provided between both of the space portions; a first piston configured to cause volumetric changes of the working gases in the space portions and transmit motive energy on receipt of pressure changes of the working gases; and a second piston and a third piston configured to transfer the working gases between both of the space portions and move with a 180° phase difference from each other with respect to the regenerator. The second piston is slidably housed in a cylinder portion included in the first piston. Heat and motive energy are exchanged by using the volumetric changes in both of the space portions, as well as by using the transfer of the working gases.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an engine for producing mechanical energy through the absorption and evaporation of moisture uses a hygroscopic material in one or more configurations to do mechanical work. The hygroscopic material can include microbial spores, plant cells and cell materials, silk and hydrogel materials that absorb moisture and expand or swell when exposed to high relative humidity environments and shrink or return to nearly their original size or shape when exposed to low relative humidity environments wherein the moisture evaporates and is released. By exposing the hygroscopic material to a cycle of high relative humidity environments and low relative humidity environments, useful work can be done. One or more transmission elements can be used to couple the hygroscopic material to a generator that converts the mechanical energy to, for example, electrical energy.

Abstract: A reciprocating water displacement gravity engine is shown and described herein.

Abstract: A microCHP unit including at least one pump (20) and/or fan for circulating a cooling fluid or air through the microCHP unit in normal operation. The microCHP unit comprises an electric power source (32) that is independent from the mains power supply. It also comprises a voltage converter (42) or inverter (44) or both connected between the independent power source (32) and the cooling pump(s) (20) and/or fan(s) (28) of the microCHP unit for converting a supply voltage from the independent electric power source (32) to a different voltage for operating the pump(s) (20) and/or fan(s) (28). A controller (34) is provided to cause the cooling pump(s) 20 and/or fan(s) (28) to operate in the absence of mains power. A charging device (48) is provided to recharge the independent power source (32) when the mains power supply is available.

Abstract: System and method for converting energy; the system comprising: an acoustic resonator; a phase-exchange device configured for forming across a section of said resonator a concentration gradient of a first substance in a gaseous medium contained by said resonator, to thereby generate a pressure wave within said resonator; and a conversion device for converting mechanical energy constituted by said pressure wave to non-mechanical energy.

Abstract: An eco-friendly linear solar heat generating system may employ a linear engine with a simple structure using solar heat is employed in place of a conventional Stirling engine with a complicated structure. Magnets and a coil are arranged in a piston and a cylinder, respectively, to thereby generate power in a highly efficient matter, improve installation stability, and enable easy maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A pistonless rotary modified Stirling heat engine, sealed in a pressurized environment, which lacks a crankshaft and comprises a compressor and expansion rotor where each rotor has two hemispherically shaped disks which follow at least one track which is machined into the internal engine casing and which are connected on a single common rotor assembly shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for working of a workpiece use the expansion of water in a container during the freezing process to drive a piston against a workpiece that is positioned to at least partially overlie a cross-sectional area of a hollow interior of the container. Use of a piston with a tapered working end focuses the resulting force against a small area of the workpiece in order to produce a bend in the workpiece at the point of application. In environments where conventional bending tools are not available, the apparatus can be used to perform bending or other operations on workpieces of varying materials.

Abstract: A heat engine using solar energy is disclosed. The heat engine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a first body, a second body and a solar concentrator, and can have highly efficient thermal cycles by allowing a first piston assembly and a second piston assembly to reciprocate opposite directions with respect to each other inside a first cylinder and a second cylinder, respectively, as first operating gas and fourth operating gas or second operating gas and third operating gas thermally expand alternately.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of Stirling engine technology to convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to energy converting apparatus are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to the field alignment of panels and the assembly of a concentrator. In another aspect, a passive balancer is used in combination with a ring frame and other moving masses to reduce engine forces and vibration on the structure of the energy converting apparatus while maintaining properly constrained alignment of various suspended masses. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to various over-insolation control and management strategy to prevent overheating of the energy converting apparatus or components and subsystems thereof.

Abstract: A temperature differential engine device includes a low-boiling-point medium steam turbine (1), a heat absorber (2), a thermal-insulating type low-temperature countercurrent heat exchanger (3), a circulating pump (4), and a refrigerating system (5) which are interconnected to constitute a closed circulating system filled with low-boiling-point medium fluid. The low-boiling-point medium steam turbine (1) and the heat absorber (2) constitute a low-density-medium heat-absorbing working system, and the circulating pump (4) and the refrigerating system (5) constitute a high-density-medium refrigerating-circulating system. The temperature differential engine device can transfer thermal energy into mechanical energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a working device having an element movable via at least one working drive, with at least one energy recovery cylinder being provided for recovering energy from the movement of the movable element and having a chamber filled with gas. In this respect, the energy recovery cylinder has a sealing arrangement for sealing the chamber filled with gas which includes an annular space filled with oil.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an implement, in particular an excavator or a machine for material handling, with an element movable via at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of the movable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas. In accordance with the invention, a device for adjusting the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implement, in particular an excavator or machine for material handling, with an element movable via at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of the movable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas, wherein the actuation of the implement is effected in dependence on the directly or indirectly determined temperature of the gas in the chamber filled with gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implement, in particular an excavator or a machine for material handling, with an element movable via at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of the movable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas. The energy recovery cylinder is equipped with a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus adapted to receive heat source input for the development and substantially continuous supply of thermal energy to a Stirling engine for the transfer of said thermal energy to electrical and/or mechanical energy, even during periods when heat source input is intermittent or unavailable for a period of time. The apparatus includes a series of elongate canisters containing silicon metalloid and made of refractory material. The canisters are interlaced with a thermal energy absorbing material in communication with a wicking material to which the Stirling engine is in communication.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a pressure vessel that defines an interior region that can contain a liquid and/or a gas. A piston is movably disposed within the interior region of the pressure vessel. A divider is fixedly disposed within the interior region of the pressure vessel and divides the interior region into a first interior region on a first side of the divider and a second interior region on a second, opposite side of the divider. The piston is movable between a first position in which fluid having a first pressure is disposed within the first interior region and the first interior region has a volume less than a volume of the second interior region, and a second position in which fluid having a second pressure is disposed within the second interior region and the second interior region has a volume less than a volume of the first interior region.

Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes a Stirling engine and a clutch. The Stirling engine produces motive power by recovering thermal energy from exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine from which exhaust heat is recovered. The motive power produced by the Stirling engine is transmitted to an internal combustion engine transmission through the clutch and an exhaust heat recovery device transmission, and combined with the motive power produced by the internal combustion engine through the internal combustion engine transmission, and is output from an output shaft. If rapid acceleration is required, and the increase in the rotation speed of the Stirling engine therefore lags behind the increase in the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine, the clutch is released. With this configuration, reduction in the power output from the heat engine, from which exhaust heat is recovered, is restricted, and the degradation of the acceleration performance is minimized.

Abstract: A rotary heat engine has a cylindrical engine block containing a rotor with four equally spaced pistons and corresponding cylinders extending radially in the rotor. The pistons are pivotally connected to connecting rods that are in turn connected to a shaft at an inner end of each connecting rod. The engine block has a cover thereon and the block can have heating and cooling locations that create heating and cooling chambers within the rotor, thereby causing the pistons to reciprocate and causing the rotor to rotate within the engine block. The pistons reciprocate within the rotor while the rotor rotates within the engine block.

Abstract: An actuator housing unit for a system of layered surfaces, comprising an activated primary surface having a physical shape capable of change when activated by an electrical, chemical, or light stimulus, to expand and exert force or pressure or contract and remove force or pressure, upon activation or deactivation, to move or keep matter within the housing by direct or indirect contact.