Abstract: A beta-type Stirling machine capable of operating in a refrigeration mode. The Stirling machine has a cold section and a hot section, a displacement piston having a friction zone, and an engine piston having a friction zone. The Stirling machine has a single liner arranged in the hot section of the Stirling machine operating in the refrigeration mode, wherein the friction zones of the displacement piston and the engine piston slide within the single liner.

Abstract: Systems and generating power in an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operation to supply electrical power. In embodiments, an inlet temperature of a flow of gas from a source to an ORC unit may be determined. The source may connect to a main pipeline. The main pipeline may connect to a supply pipeline. The supply pipeline may connect to the ORC unit thereby to allow gas to flow from the source to the ORC unit. Heat from the flow of gas may cause the ORC unit to generate electrical power. The outlet temperature of the flow of the gas from the ORC unit to a return pipe may be determined. A bypass valve, positioned on a bypass pipeline connecting the supply pipeline to the return pipeline, may be adjusted to a position sufficient to maintain temperature of the flow of gas above a threshold based on the inlet and outlet temperature.

Abstract: A multi-stage Stirling cycle machine and a steady-state operating parameter control method therefor are disclosed. In the Stirling cycle machine, a mechanical energy input piston, a mechanical energy transfer double-acting free piston, and a mechanical energy output piston constitute a plurality of Stirling working units which are arranged in stages. The mechanical energy input piston is connected to a mechanical energy input apparatus. The mechanical energy output piston is connected to a mechanical energy output apparatus. When the Stirling cycle machine is used as an engine, a relatively small amount of mechanical energy is input into a mechanical energy input piston in a set of pistons, the mechanical energy is amplified by a multi-stage Stirling unit, and a relatively large amount of mechanical energy is then output by a mechanical energy output piston.

Abstract: Hybrid thermodynamic compressor (8) for compressing a working fluid, the compressor comprising a volumetric cylinder (1) and a thermal cylinder (2) connected to one another mechanically by a connecting rod system (5) and pneumatically by a connecting circuit (12) optionally with a valve (4), a reversible electric machine (6), the volumetric cylinder comprising a first piston (81) that separates a first chamber (Ch1) from a second chamber (Ch2), the thermal cylinder comprising a second piston (82) which separates a third chamber (Ch3) from a fourth chamber (Ch4), which can be brought into thermal contact with a heat source (21) to thereby generate a cycled movement in the thermal cylinder, and concerning the connecting rod system (5), the first and second pistons are connected to a rotor (52) by first and second respective connecting rods (91,92), with a predetermined angular offset (?d), the volumetric cylinder being equipped with non-return valves (61,62), the power produced in the thermal cylinder being tra

Abstract: A device is disclosed herein which provides a domed cover of a combustion chamber enclosure applicable for use in Stirling Cycle engines, Ericsson Cycle engines, Rankine Cycle engines or other external combustion heat engine types which allows for the free flow of combustion air from the outer margins of the device toward the combustion air inlet in a vortexual fluid flow to achieve a more balanced stoichiometric ratio of the fuel/air mixture before ignition. This may be achieved by the employment of vanes to direct combustion air in a swirling vortexual flow as the combustion air enters the combustion chamber. Thermal barrier coatings and insulative materials may also be employed to minimize parasitic heat loss.

Abstract: Systems and generating power in an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operation to supply electrical power. In embodiments, an inlet temperature of a flow of gas from a source to an ORC unit may be determined. The source may connect to a main pipeline. The main pipeline may connect to a supply pipeline. The supply pipeline may connect to the ORC unit thereby to allow gas to flow from the source to the ORC unit. Heat from the flow of gas may cause the ORC unit to generate electrical power. The outlet temperature of the flow of the gas from the ORC unit to a return pipe may be determined. A bypass valve, positioned on a bypass pipeline connecting the supply pipeline to the return pipeline, may be adjusted to a position sufficient to maintain temperature of the flow of gas above a threshold based on the inlet and outlet temperature.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for: (1) alternatingly in time inflating and deflating a sealed compartment that includes: a first flexible and deformable seal connected to a pressure control chamber; (2) alternatingly in time pumping a gas into a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a first piston in a first partially sealed cylinder of a double acting kinematic cylinder, the double acting kinematic cylinder further comprising a second partially sealed cylinder, including: a second piston and the pressure control chamber, the pressure control chamber both on a first side of the second piston and within the second partially sealed cylinder; and (3) transferring a force from the first piston to the second piston via a rigid coupler affixed at a first end to the first piston and at a second end to the second piston, such as to alternating inflate and deflate a seal.

Abstract: Systems and generating power in an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operation to supply electrical power. In embodiments, an inlet temperature of a flow of gas from a source to an ORC unit may be determined. The source may connect to a main pipeline. The main pipeline may connect to a supply pipeline. The supply pipeline may connect to the ORC unit thereby to allow gas to flow from the source to the ORC unit. Heat from the flow of gas may cause the ORC unit to generate electrical power. The outlet temperature of the flow of the gas from the ORC unit to a return pipe may be determined. A bypass valve, positioned on a bypass pipeline connecting the supply pipeline to the return pipeline, may be adjusted to a position sufficient to maintain temperature of the flow of gas above a threshold based on the inlet and outlet temperature.

Abstract: An acoustic wave generation unit oscillates working fluid of 35 atm or less so as to generate acoustic waves with a frequency in a range from 50 Hz or more and 500 Hz or less. A heat/acoustic wave conversion component has a partition wall of 5.0 W/mK or less between two end faces which defines a plurality of cells of 620 cells/cm2 or more and 3100 cells/cm2 or less. A heat exchanger disposed close to one end face receives heat from a first external air flowing into the heat exchanger and gives the heat to the one end face so as to flow out a cold air. Another heat exchanger disposed close to the other end face receives heat from the other end face and gives the heat to a second external air flowing into the another heat exchanger so as to flow out a warm air.

Abstract: A method for pressurisation of a working gas in a Stirling engine assembly for use in a thermal energy plant, the Stirling engine assembly including: a Stirling engine including an expansion cylinder and a compression cylinder, wherein the expansion and compression cylinders are configured in a V-arrangement; a regenerator; a cooler and a heater; an accumulator, the accumulator being in fluidic connection with the expansion and/or compression cylinders of the Stirling engine; and a low pressure receptacle including the working gas. The method includes: providing working gas to the accumulator from the low pressure receptacle; providing a pressurisation fluid to the accumulator to reduce the volume for the working gas in the accumulator, thereby increasing the pressure of the working gas in the accumulator; and displacing the pressurised working gas from the accumulator to the expansion and/or compression cylinder.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes at least one row unit having a plurality of support members, each of which is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame or another of the support members to permit vertical pivoting vertical movement of the support members, and a plurality of soil-engaging tools, each of which is coupled to at least one of the support members. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the support members for urging the support members downwardly toward the soil. A plurality of controllable pressure control valves are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinders. A plurality of sensors produce electrical signals corresponding to predetermined conditions, and a controller is coupled to the sensor and the controllable pressure control valves. The controller receives the electrical signals from the sensors and produces control signals for controlling the pressure control valves.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes an evaporator circulating a flow of refrigerant therethrough to cool a flow of compartment air flowing over the evaporator, a compressor in fluid communication with the evaporator to compress the flow of refrigerant, an engine operably connected to the compressor to drive operation of the compressor, an expansion device in fluid communication with the flow of refrigerant, and a controller operably connected to at least the engine and the expansion device. The controller is configured to determine an available power to drive the compressor, determine a compressor discharge pressure upper limit based on the available power, compare the compressor discharge pressure upper limit to a requested compressor discharge pressure, and initiate adjustment of the expansion device such that an actual compressor discharge pressure is the lesser of the requested compressor discharge pressure or the compressor discharge pressure upper limit.

Abstract: A GM cryocooler includes a displacer that is reciprocatable in an axial direction; a displacer cylinder that houses the displacer; a drive piston that is coupled to the displacer so as to drive the displacer in the axial direction; and a piston cylinder that houses the drive piston and that includes a drive chamber of which a pressure is controlled to drive the drive piston, and a gas spring chamber which is airtightly formed with respect to the displacer cylinder and is partitioned from the drive chamber by the drive piston.

Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a working cylinder defining a working cylinder chamber with a reciprocatingly-arranged working piston and a heater fluidly communicating with the working cylinder chamber through a working gas channel. The engine includes a first heat exchanger extending from a head of a displacer cylinder into the heater, a second heat exchanger formed by a regenerator arranged outside the heater, and a third heat exchanger formed by a cooler arranged between the regenerator and the working cylinder chamber. At any point along the working gas channel, as seen cross-wise to an assumed working gas flow direction through the working gas channel, the cross section area of the working gas channel defined by the first, second and third heat exchangers is within the range of the medium cross section area of the working gas channel +/?10%.

Abstract: The pump has a body having a heat sink on the body underside. An extension rises from the body. A guide is provided for a piston, which together move up and down relative to the body and extension. The pump is within a tank filled with heating liquid. The heating liquid is separated (directly or indirectly) from a gas cavity with a bladder. The pump can have a coolant cavity partially bordered by a bladder that separates the heating liquid from the gas. A coolant then flows through the cavity over the top of the bladder keeping it cool and preventing bladder degradation. A high temperature liquid system maintains the temperature of the heating liquid. A coolant system maintains the temperature of the coolant. A pressure equalization system maintains balance in pressure between the heating liquid and coolant. A steam system is provided as is a control system.

Abstract: A monolithic combustor body may provide multi-stage combustion. A combustor body may include a combustion chamber body and a plurality of heating walls that include a heat sink. The combustion chamber body may be disposed annularly about a longitudinal axis and defining a combustion chamber. The plurality of heating walls may include heat sink. The plurality of heating walls may occupy a radially or concentrically outward position relative to the combustion chamber and may define a corresponding plurality of combustion-gas pathways fluidly communicating with at least a proximal portion of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A Stirling engine comprising: a crank case (1) with a crank shaft (2) arranged therein, a displacer cylinder (3) with a reciprocatingly arranged displacer piston (4) therein, said displacer piston (4) being connected to said crank shaft (2) via a connecting rod (5) extending through a first end of said displacer cylinder (3), and wherein the displacer cylinder (3) defines a hot chamber (6) and a cool chamber (7) separated by the displacer piston (4), a working cylinder (8) defining a working cylinder chamber (11) with a reciprocatingly arranged working piston (9) therein, said working piston (9) being connected to said crank shaft (2) via a connecting rod (10) extending through a first end of the working cylinder (8), a heater device (14), arranged at a second end of said displacer cylinder (3) opposite to said first end and configured to heat a working gas which is present in the hot chamber (6) of the displacer cylinder (3) and in fluid communication with the working cylinder chamber (11) through a working

Abstract: A system may be used for determining a parameter relating to a piston in an engine. The parameter may be the piston position, speed, etc., which may be determined at a reference point in a cylinder. The system may be controlled based on the determined parameter. The engine may be a linear reciprocating engine, opposed piston engine, etc. The system may include a first sensor provided on a base connected to the engine, and a second sensor provided on the base. The first sensor may be configured to generate a signal in response to a component coupled to the piston being in a region of the first sensor. The second sensor may be configured to generate a signal in response to a component coupled to the piston interacting with the second sensor. The system may include an energy transformer configured to transform motion of the engine to electrical power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a free-piston linear apparatus, comprising a piston arranged within a cylinder, said piston being configured for linear displacement within the cylinder; a combustion chamber arranged on one side of said piston and a gas expansion chamber arranged on an opposite side of said piston, wherein said piston is drivable under the action of a fuel medium expanding in the combustion chamber; an exhaust vent arranged to release exhaust gas from the combustion chamber to an exhaust system, wherein said exhaust system comprises a heat exchanger configured to transfer residual heat from said exhaust gas to said gas expansion chamber in order to heat the gas expansion chamber; and wherein said gas expansion chamber comprises at least one gas port for injecting and/or releasing gas into/from the gas expansion chamber.

Abstract: A heat engine with a dynamically controllable hydraulic outlet driven by a high-pressure pump and a gas turbine that include a pressure vessel (1), a lid (1.1), a movable partition (2), a gas working space (4), a liquid working space (5), and a recuperator (7), wherein a sealing (1.4) is disposed between the pressure vessel (1) and the lid (1.1), wherein in the inner space of the pressure vessel (1) the partition (2) is movably attached to a folded membrane (3) which is attached to the lid (1.1), wherein the partition (2) divides the inner space of the pressure vessel (1) into the gas working space (4) and the liquid working space (5), and shaped parts (1.8) are arranged within the pressure vessel, which define an external gas channel (10) which is led between a shell of the pressure vessel (1) and the shaped parts.

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: In a conveying device, a belt conveyer is equipped with a conveying portion that conveys an object from an upstream region to a downstream region. A heat source heats the conveyed object. A cooling portion is located downstream of a terminal end of the belt conveyor and cools the object. A first thermoacoustic cooling device cools the cooling portion. A first prime mover generates acoustic waves from heat transmitted from the first heat source. A first receiver generates, from the acoustic waves, cooling heat corresponding to a cooling temperature that is lower than a temperature of the heat source.

Abstract: A device for compressing a gaseous fluid includes a first chamber thermally coupled with a hot source, a second chamber thermally coupled with a cold source, a movable piston moved by a rod, and a regenerating exchanger establishing fluid communication between the first and second chambers. The rod is arranged in a cylindrical socket and guided in axial translation by a linear guiding system such as to guide the piston without contact relative to the sleeve. A sealing ring attached to the cylindrical socket surrounds the rod with a very low radial clearance, in order to limit the passage of the gaseous fluid along the mobile rod. Also disclosed is an integral cold casing having machined boreholes, a thermal screen in the hot casing, and a self-driving system with a resilient return means.

Abstract: A thermal management system for an aircraft is provided that includes thermo-acoustic engines that remove and capture waste heat from the aircraft engines, heat pumps powered by the acoustic waves generated from the waste heat that remove and capture electrical component waste heat from electrical components in the aircraft, and hollow tubes disposed in the aircraft configured to propagate mechanical energy to locations throughout the aircraft and to transfer the electrical component waste heat back to the aircraft engines to reduce overall aircraft mass and improve propulsive efficiency.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic electric generator system includes: a turbine including a turbine blade provided in an inside of a branched tube in a tube component and rotating by thermoacoustic oscillation of working gas in a thermoacoustic engine, and a turbine rotational shaft configured to be coupled to the turbine blade, penetrate a tube wall of the branched tube, and extend from the inside to an outside thereof; and a generator provided on the outside of the branched tube in the tube component, coupled to the turbine rotational shaft of the turbine, and converting rotational energy of the turbine blade to electric energy.

Abstract: A PEP module is provided for producing and transmitting oscillations of expiratory air to the lungs and airways of a user to thereby loosen and mobilize mucus obstructions. The PEP module includes an external device housing having a mouthpiece at a first end thereof and a cover at an opposite second end thereof configured for providing resistance to the airflow of the expiratory air. The PEP module further includes a valve assembly contained within the external housing and disposed medially between the mouthpiece and the cover. The valve assembly includes a valve housing and a valve moveably mounted on the valve housing. The valve rapidly and repeatedly oscillates relative to the valve housing as the user exhales to produce oscillations in the expiratory air that are transmitted to the lungs and airways of the user to loosen and mobilize the mucus obstructions.

Abstract: A burner (1) comprises a front wall (2) with an exchanger opening (4) for the passage of a heat exchanger (14), a rear wall (5) with a fume discharge opening (7), a tubular side wall (8), a tubular diffuser wall (9) within the side wall (8), an annular distribution chamber (12) formed between the side wall (8), a combustion chamber (13) formed within the diffuser wall (9) and suitable for the insertion of the heat exchanger (14), wherein the rear wall (5) comprises a cooling interspace in flow communication with the gas supply line of the burner.

Abstract: An improved electromechanical transducer is provided. In an embodiment, the transducer comprises at least two flux modules, each defining a magnetic circuit having a gap; an armature configured to move along a longitudinal axis passing through the gaps; and a gas containment structure laterally surrounding the armature, wherein: the at least two flux modules are provided outside the gas containment structure; and the armature comprises a reinforcing portion laterally outside of the gaps that is wider in a direction parallel to the flux in the gaps than at least one of the gaps.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to realize a combustion control device that reduces, when a pressure within a mixer is rapidly increased at the time of ignition of the combustion control device, the transmission of the temporarily increased pressure to a pressure sensor, that brings the pressure sensor into a non-operated state and that thereby can continue combustion in the combustion control device. Hence, a combustion control device is provided that includes: a combustion chamber which has a heat dissipation disc on a front surface and within which a combustion room is formed; a burner which is attached to the combustion chamber; a mixer which mixes a gas supplied to the burner with air; and a pressure sensor which is connected to the mixer through a pressure passage, where a pressure propagation delay means which reduces transmission to the pressure sensor caused by a temporary pressure increase within the mixer is provided partway along the pressure passage.

Abstract: A working cylinder is provided, comprising at least one disc-like displacer (120) rotatably supported in a cylindrical block (114), which displacer (120) is arranged between two annular flanges (110) extending radially inwards from said block (114) on each sides of said displacer (120) such that said displacer (120) will be arranged in parallel with said flanges (110) upon rotation, wherein at least one of said flanges (110) comprises a plurality of sections including a first section (112a) having a first temperature, a second section (112b) having a second temperature being lower than said first temperature, and two insulating sections (112c, 112d) completely preventing contact between said first section (112a) and said second section (112b), and wherein said displacer (120) comprises a cutout (122) for rotating a volume of working fluid across the sections (112), which cutout is dimensioned such that for every rotational position it does not overlap the first section (112a) and the second section (112b) at

Abstract: External combustion engine which comprises a first cylinder and a second cylinder, in which a first piston and a second piston are able to slide respectively. The first and second cylinder are fluidically connected with respect to each other for the passage of a heat-carrying fluid suitable to determine the cyclical movement of the first piston and the second piston. The external combustion engine also comprises a drive shaft rotating around an axis of rotation, and with which crank means are solidly associated, provided with at least a first pin and a second pin having pivoting axes parallel to each other, and also disposed distanced radially from the axis of rotation. The external combustion engine also comprises first and second kinematic connection means suitable to connect respectively the first pin and the second pin to the first piston and respectively to the second piston.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, there is provided a flowmeter system. The flowmeter system includes a high temperature transferring part that collects external heat energy to transfer the heat energy; a low temperature transferring part that transfers heat energy of an intake pipe; a stirling engine that produces a power based on a temperature difference between the heat energy transferred from the high temperature transferring part and the heat energy transferred from the low temperature transferring part; and a flowmeter that is supplied with the power produced by the stirling engine to measure a flow rate of the intake pipe.

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: Stirling cycle machines, including engines and coolers or heat pumps are described.

Abstract: This invention provides a cold trap using a Stirling refrigerator. A refrigerator includes a drive piston configured to drive a free piston so as to reciprocally move a working medium between a heat dissipation portion and a heat absorption portion, a vibration sensor configured to measure a vibration of a case, a dynamic vibration absorber configured to reduce the vibration of the case when the drive piston is driven, and a frequency adjustment device configured to adjust a driving frequency to reduce the vibration of the case when the drive piston is driven in a state in which the case is connected to a vacuum device.

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a compressor that compresses a working gas; a displacer to which the working gas compressed by the compressor is supplied; a drive mechanism that includes a drive shaft and is configured to drive the displacer; a motor that drives the drive mechanism; a housing that accommodates the drive mechanism; a valve mechanism that adjusts a pressure of the working gas supplied to the displacer; a pipe that supplies the working gas from the compressor to the valve mechanism; and a branch pipe that branches out from the supply pipe and is connected to a space formed between the drive shaft and the housing.

Abstract: A cover is provided for a cylinder arrangement having at least one cylinder. The cover is suitable for sealingly covering a cylinder opening of the cylinder. At least one sensor unit for capturing a measurement variable within the cylinder is integrated in the cover.

Abstract: An adjustable seal apparatus for mounting a mixing apparatus having a movable shaft in sealed engagement with a wall of a vessel and in a selected orientation with respect to the wall of the vessel. The adjustable seal apparatus includes a seal mechanism for creating a gas-tight seal between the shaft of the mixing apparatus and the wall of the vessel and an adjustable mounting mechanism for selectively positioning the shaft in a desired orientation.

Abstract: Provided is a consumer to industrial scale renewable energy based quintuple-generation systems and energy storage facility. The present invention has both mobile and stationary embodiments. The present invention includes energy recovery, energy production, energy processing, pyrolysis, byproduct process utilization systems, separation process systems and handling and storage systems, as well as an open architecture for integration and development of additional processes, systems and applications. The system of the present invention primarily uses adaptive metrics, biometrics and thermal imaging sensory analysis (including additional input sensors for analysis) for monitoring and control with the utilization of an integrated artificial intelligence and automation control system, thus providing a balanced, environmentally-friendly ecosystem.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and associated method are provided that may eliminate or reduce the need for an external mechanical or electrical power source to drive the fan by utilization, instead, of a Stirling engine. A heat exchanger includes a plurality of coils configured to carry a primary fluid. The heat exchanger also includes a fan including a plurality of fan blades configured to force a secondary fluid across the plurality of coils to facilitate heat transfer between the primary and secondary fluids. The heat exchanger also includes a Stirling engine operably connected to the fan and configured to cause rotation of the fan blades. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: An ECU is used for a Stirling engine that is provided with a starter that drives an output shaft of the Stirling engine. The ECU includes a control portion that commences an engine-starting drive of the starter within a phase interval, during which the torque of the Stirling engine that varies according to phase of the output shaft is relatively small. The phase interval is an interval during which the torque of the Stirling engine is less than or equal to the torque obtained when the compression begins. The phase at which the driving of the starter is commenced is set to the phase at which the torque of the Stirling engine becomes smaller than the torque obtained when the compression begins.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a stirling engine 10A of a twin-cylinder ? type includes a heat transfer tube group 70A formed with heat transfer tubes 71A causing a working fluid of the stirling engine 10A to flow between a high-temperature cylinder 20 and a low-temperature cylinder 30 arranged linearly and parallel to each other in the stirling engine. The heat transfer tube group 70A includes a rising section G1 extending upward, a falling section G2 extending downward, and a connecting section G3 connecting the rising section G1 and the falling section G2 in a turn-back manner, where the heat transfer tube group 70A is regarded as extending from one end or the other end thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy retriever system and methods for absorbing energy and using that energy elsewhere or converting it to other useful forms of energy or work. The energy retriever system consists of a series of components interconnected by a plurality of conduits containing a fluid. Working as a self-contained thermodynamic system, the energy retriever system allows the fluid to circulate through all of these elements. Heat added to the energy capture subsystem heats the fluid. The fluid becomes more pressurized and moves into the expansion cycle subsystem. The energy extraction subsystem transforms the thermal energy of the fluid into work, kinetic energy or thermal energy. The reservoir subsystem compresses the fluid and reintroduces it into the energy capture subsystem. One-way valves are used throughout the system to keep the flow of the fluid in one direction and separate sections of the system that contain different pressures.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engine assembly that is installed below the surface of the earth to harvest the thermal energy of the earth, using a working fluid in a closed loop system, and convert it into electricity, which can be commercialized at the surface. The subterranean engine comprises a hot region and a cold region, and a working fluid that moves between the two regions. The movement and efficiency of the working fluid operates the pistons that drive a generator coupled to the pistons, thereby generating electricity. The hot region of the engine is primarily powered by the geothermal energy. The engine can further incorporate renewable energy to improve the movement of the working fluid between the hot and cold regions. The system can further be used to store renewable energy below ground.

Abstract: Stirling cycle machines, including engines and coolers or heat pumps are described.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic engine includes a first stack and a second stack disposed in a gas-filled looped tube. The first stack has a first end to which heat is inputted and a second end to which cooling water is inputted, and the second stack has a first end to which the cooling water is inputted after passing through the second end of the first stack, and a second end provided with a cooling device. The thermoacoustic engine further includes a flow controller for controlling the flow rate of the cooling water to be inputted to the second end of the first stack.

Abstract: In a case of performing a static pressure gas lubrication by a stirling engine provided with a pair of cylinders of a high-temperature-side cylinder 20 and a low-temperature-side cylinder 30, a stirling engine gas lubrication structure is provided with an introduction pipe 70A for introducing a working fluid existing within a low-temperature working space into at least an inside of an expansion piston 21 of the expansion piston 21 and a compression piston 31, the low-temperature working space being included in a working space where the working fluid circulates between the cylinders 20 and 30, a temperature of the working fluid in the low-temperature working space lower than that of the working fluid in a working space of a high-temperature side cylinder 22 in a driving state.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for generating cold-air blast from slag heat, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a. providing hot, granulated slag, b. providing wet blast furnace gas, c. preheating the wet blast furnace gas, whereby preheated blast furnace gas is obtained, d. transferring heat from the hot, granulated slag to the preheated blast furnace gas, wherein hot blast furnace gas is obtained, e. expanding the hot blast furnace gas in a turbine, wherein energy is released and expanded blast furnace gas is obtained, f. using the released energy to drive a cold-air blast compressor for compressing the cold-air blast, wherein a shaft is driven by expansion of the hot blast furnace gas in a turbine, wherein said shaft drives the cold-air blast compressor and wherein the expanded blast furnace gas is used for preheating the wet blast furnace gas, whereby cold, expanded blast furnace gas is obtained.

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: A roller bearing sub-assembly can include a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion spaced apart from the first mounting portion, a first roller disposed between the first and second mounting portions and straps wrapped partially around different portions of the first roller. The first mounting portion, second mounting portion, first roller and straps are configured such that the first and second mounting portions are moveable relative to each other along a selected direction for a distance that is approximately equal to a circumference of the first roller in opposite directions from a mid-stroke position. Linear roller bearing assemblies and methods of forming linear roller bearing assemblies are also disclosed, as are multi-cylinder Stirling engines and a thermal energy recovery system.