Abstract: In recent years piezoelectric actuation has been identified as a promising means of driving miniature Stirling devices. It supports miniaturization, has a high power to volume ratio, can operate at almost any frequency, good electrical to mechanical efficiencies, and potentially has a very long operating life. This invention uses a valve-less hydraulic amplification, creating an oscillating pressure wave sufficiently large to drive a high frequency miniature pulse tube cryocooler. The actuator may be separated from the main body of the cryocooler. The system lack of rubbing parts in the power conversion processes.

Abstract: A high-temperature side power piston (37) and a low-temperature side power piston (39), respectively demarcating a high-temperature space (45) and a low-temperature space (47), brings about volumetric changes of working gases in each of the high-temperature space (45) and the low-temperature space (47). At the same time, the power pistons are configured to transmit motive energy on receipt of pressure changes of working gases. A displacer (203) movably housed in a displacer cylinder (201) transfers the working gases between the high-temperature space (45) and the low-temperature space (47) without causing a pressure difference.

Abstract: Miniaturised device, which can operate as an engine or a cooler according to a Stirling thermodynamic cycle, comprising an expansion chamber and a compression chamber, which are interconnected by means of a regenerator enabling the working fluid to flow through from the expansion chamber to the compression chamber, and vice versa, under the effect of the movement of a displacing mechanism, a fraction of the compression chamber being mobile and operating as a piston in order to modify the volume of the said compression chamber, characterized in that it also comprises a complementary chamber which is connected to the compression chamber by means of a complementary connection channel, the said complementary chamber being at an intermediate temperature between the temperature of the compression chamber and the temperature of the expansion chamber, the complementary chamber being separated from the expansion chamber by means of the displacing mechanism.

Abstract: A linear-free piston Stirling machine comprising a displacer and a power piston. A rod is attached at one end to the displacer, extends through the power piston and is mounted to the casing at its opposite end via a spring. A resilient stopper at the opposite end is arranged to contact the engine casing if the displacement of the displacer exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for absorbing methane gas or other carbonaceous volatile gasses. The method comprises loading of solid carbonaceous matter into a vessel and loading the gas to be absorbed into the vessel. The gas is preferably formed from excrements of livestock, mainly being formed from a liquid or slurry phase of excrements of livestock. The solid carbonaceous matter is preferably formed by heating of plant material in a pyrolytic process thereby forming carbonaceous matter having a solid structure.

Abstract: A power plant with heat transfer, in which power is generated by an arbitrary number of heat engines, described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18. is disclosed. The heat engines (A) are arranged in series with a cooling medium (22) and a heating medium (30) passing through them in a counter flow principal. After exiting the last heat engine the heated-up cooling medium is used as a combustion air. The heating medium (30) exiting in the opposite direction the last heat engine (A) can be used further on for heating purposes or other heating consumers.

Abstract: A Stirling engine system comprising a Stirling engine, a burner adjacent to the engine, and a supply of combustible fuel to the burner to produce a hot combusted fuel stream to heat the engine. The system further comprises means to provide relative movement between the burner and engine to increase the proportion of combusted fuel which bypasses the engine as the required heat output increases.

Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a plurality of ?-type Stirling cycle mechanisms, each of which includes a first piston and a second piston and pressurizes a crankcase space. The mechanisms are coupled to each other via a common rotary shaft so that each of the mechanisms generates a torque variation waveform in which the number of periods per rotation is two.

Abstract: A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A heat engine, such as a Stirling engine, is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller. The heat engine has a thermal battery in thermal contact with it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the sun based on a determination by the heliostat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for generating power. A thermodynamic air engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature differential to mechanical energy. The thermodynamic air engine has a working fluid and a displacer adapted to move through the working fluid. The temperature differential is established across the thermodynamic air engine between a first side of the engine and a second side of the engine. The displacer is directly actuated to move the displacer cyclically through the working fluid in accordance with a defined motion pattern.

Abstract: A heat engine has four oscillating pistons which lie at a right angle to one another are located in four cylinders. The pistons and the cylinders are of wedge-shaped configuration and have the shape of a cone section. The pistons rest with their lower tip on a piston bearing. The four cylinders are connected to one another by means of channels; compression chamber to displacement chamber and displacement chamber to compression chamber. The crank rotates in this method of operation counter to the gas flow. The engine is applied in the stationary area, preferably in order to generate electricity and heat decentrally in the context of power/heat cogeneration with the use of renewable resources. It is to be possible, inter alia, to also use the heat engine for the low and medium temperature range and to make few demands of the quality of the fuels.

Abstract: Methods for harnessing a heat source to produce energy are provided. One method comprises transferring heat from the heat source to a working fluid using at least one heat pipe; and performing work via the heated working fluid. Another method comprises operating a thermodynamic cycle to convert heat into work, comprising displacing a working fluid within a closed loop, said closed loop being defined by a first pathway within a working chamber, and a return pathway external to the return chamber; wherein displacement of the working fluid along the first pathway causes sympathetic displaced of a movable member held captive in the working chamber, and displacement of the working fluid along the external pathway is under influence of capillary forces; and transferring heat to the working fluid using at least one first heat pipe. Components and systems for implementing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure details a thermoacoustic driven compressor having a pressurized housing, which contains within a thermoacoustic engine and a working gas, coupled to a positive displacement reciprocating compressor. The thermoacoustic driven compressor generates scalable compressed air from a given heat source.

Abstract: A Stirling engine, wherein the inner yoke of a linear motor is installed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylinder. To keep a proper pressure balance between a compression space on one end side of a displacer and a back pressure space on the outer peripheral side of the cylinder, a first flow passage is formed in the piston starting at the compression space side end face toward the outer peripheral surface and a second flow passage allowing the first flow passage to communicate with the back pressure space is formed in the cylinder. The second flow passage is composed of a through hole that penetrates the wall of the cylinder in a radial direction and a communication passage formed between the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and the inner peripheral surface of the inner yoke to allow the through hole to communicate with the back pressure space.

Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pass. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coiled shaped.

Abstract: A rod seal assembly for a Stirling Engine of the type having two or more piston assemblies reciprocating within cylinder bores. The rod seal assembly seals against a connecting rod extending between a piston and a kinematic drive system. The rod seal assembly includes a separated cap seal assembly and a base seal assembly with a hollow cavity formed therebetween. The cap seal assembly and base seal assembly include sealing element features which provide high performance gas sealing and excellent durability characteristics. The hollow interior cavity of the rod seal assembly may be used as part of an internal volume within the engine used as part of a pressure balancing system for the isolated cycle volumes within the engine.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for generating power. The system includes a sealed chamber, a displacer located inside the chamber, a magnetic mechanism to actuate the displacer, and a linear alternator. The chamber includes a first side, a first top surface, and a first bottom surface, the first side located adjacent to a heat source and the second side adjacent to a heat sink. The displacer includes a pivot surface, a rocker, or a slide, and may include a regenerator.

Abstract: An externally heated engine is provided which has at least two pistons. The first piston has a first side (working side) and a second side opposite the first side. The first side of the first piston and the first cylinder define a first working chamber containing working fluid. The second side of the first piston and the first cylinder define a first opposite chamber containing an opposing fluid. A heater heats the working fluid in the first cylinder. Preferably, the cylinder is heated by a heat source so that the working fluid has a temperature of no more than 500° Fahrenheit with a temperature difference between the heat source and the working fluid of less than 5° Fahrenheit. The second piston reciprocates within a second cylinder, and has a first side (working side) and a second side opposite the first side. The first side and the cylinder define a working chamber containing working fluid. The second side of the piston and the cylinder define a second opposite chamber containing an opposing fluid.

Abstract: A novel method converts heat into mechanical work. In a cyclic process, a working medium is compressed while giving off heat and it is subsequently brought in thermal contact with the surroundings via a first heat exchanger. Then it is expanded while obtaining mechanical work, whereupon the cyclic process is run through once more. A high degree of efficiency is achieved by virtue of the fact that the working medium, after expansion, is guided through another heat exchanger, which is situated inside a rapidly rotating rotor and which, on the exterior thereof, is surrounded by at least one substantially annular gas space from whose exterior heat is dissipated. There is also disclosed a device for carrying out the novel method.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply system comprises an internal combustion engine (1) and a steam generator (2) arranged in a “closed system”. Water, or another suitable working fluid, is supplied to the steam generator (2) whereupon it is heated using exhaust heat from the internal combustion engine (1). The steam that is generated is stored in a storage tank (3) until a later time, e.g. when the internal combustion engine (1) is not running, whereupon the steam is used to provide heat and/or power to vehicle. For example, the steam can be used to drive a generator (5), via an expander (4), to provide electricity for powering various electrical systems within the vehicle. Additionally, the hot exhaust (7) from the expander (4) can be supplied to a radiator (8) to provide heating for the vehicle cabin.

Abstract: An integrated hybrid energy generating system capable of converting wind and solar energy for use with an electrical generator. During the daytime, the system concurrently derives energy from both wind and solar energy sources. During the nighttime, it continuously harvests wind energy regardless of the weather condition.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for transferring heat by conduction to the internal heat acceptor of an external combustion engine. Fuel and air are introduced into a combustion chamber and mixed to form an air/fuel mixture. The air/fuel mixture is directed into a catalytic reactor that is positioned in direct contact (non-spaced-apart relation) with the heater head. Heat is transferred via conduction from the catalytic reactor to the heater head; and the catalytic reaction products are exhausted with heat recuperation.

Abstract: A Stirling engine assembly comprising a Stirling engine having a generally cylindrical head. An annular burner surrounds the head and defines a combustion chamber between the burner and head. An annular seal between the burner and head provides a seal for combustion gases. A thermocouple housing is in thermal contact with the head and sealed from the combustion chamber. The thermocouple housing extends out of the combustion chamber, with the interface between the thermocouple housing and combustion chamber being sealed. The thermocouple housing has an opening outside the combustion chamber. A thermocouple in the thermocouple housing extends from a location adjacent to the head out of the opening in the thermocouple housing.

Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a piston seat, a displacer arranged in the piston seat, a piston seat, and a push rod. Meanwhile, a piston tube is arranged on the piston seat and an airtight piston is arranged in the piston tube. Moreover, one end of the push rod is connected to the displacer, while another end passes through the airtight piston and extends out of the piston seat. Additionally, a power mechanism includes the aforementioned Stirling engine, a crankshaft, an axle seat pivoted with the crankshaft, and two pairs of first and second swing arms that are respectively connected from the crankshaft to the top ends of the push rod and the airtight piston and are arranged symmetrically to each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a thermodynamic engine are disclosed. The systems and methods may effect cyclic motion of a working fluid between hot and cold regions of a thermodynamic engine and inject a dispersible material into the working fluid at the hot or cold region during a heat-addition or heat-rejection process. The system and methods may also evacuate the dispersible material from the hot or cold region.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for counterbalancing vibrations of a machine, including a housing adapted to be mounted to the machine. A hydraulic chamber is disposed within the housing and has a first and a second diaphragm on opposite sides thereof. A hydraulic fluid is disposed in the hydraulic chamber. A first air chamber is on a first side of the first diaphragm opposite the hydraulic chamber and a second air chamber is disposed on a second side of the second diaphragm opposite the hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic fluid acts as a mass and the diaphragms and air chambers act as a spring and damper of a mass damper system for counterbalancing vibrations of the machine.

Abstract: In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a method for generating electrical energy using a thermal cycle of a working gas. The method comprises using the motion of a piston in a cylinder, containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle, to electromagnetically induce current in an electrical circuit coupled to the cylinder; using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy, produced by the current induced in the electrical circuit, in an electrical storage device; and using the electrical energy stored in the electrical storage device to electromagnetically provide a motive force to the piston. Cyclically using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy and using the stored energy to provide a motive force to the piston effect a net positive average power transfer into the electrical storage device over the course of the thermal cycle.

Abstract: The reciprocatable power piston of a free-piston Stirling machine is drivingly linked to a reciprocatable component body of an associated apparatus by at least one spring with no rigid connection linking the piston to the component body. The spring drive linkage allows the power piston and the reciprocatable component body of the associated apparatus to reciprocate at different amplitudes of oscillation. Therefore, the Stirling machine and the associated apparatus can be optimized at different amplitudes of piston and the component body oscillation thereby improving the optimization of two very different dynamic systems that are drivingly connected together.

Abstract: An engine provides torque by transmitting power in a fluid using optimally positioned lift-to-drag ratio blades with air-foil shape sections. The fluid may be liquid or gas. Various considerations of engine configuration, fluid density, fluid pressure and fluid temperature are design parameters that can be tuned to achieve high performance. The fluid flow created can be used to drive rotary motion of an output axle, for example.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic apparatus capable of reducing the time elapsed until an acoustic wave is generated and improving the energy conversion efficiency significantly is provided. In order to solve the above-described issues, in a thermoacoustic apparatus 1 including a pair of heat exchangers 41 and 43 separately set on the high temperature side and on the low temperature side, a second stack 42 which is sandwiched between the heat exchangers 41 and 43 and which has a plurality of transmission paths in the inside, and a loop tube 2 provided with the heat exchangers 41 and 43 and the stack 42, the thermoacoustic apparatus converting acoustic energy generated in the loop tube 2 with an acoustic wave generator 3 to thermal energy by using the heat exchangers 41 and 43 and the stack 42, a narrow portion 21 in which the inner diameter is relatively reduced is disposed at a position at which the particle velocity of a standing wave generated in the loop tube 2 is in the vicinity of a maximum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the environmentally sound disposal of air/solvent mixtures made of combustible gaseous, vaporous or liquid waste products, using a combustion unit for burning the air/solvent mixtures while removing the environmentally compatible exhaust air developing in the combustion unit and the waste heat that is produced.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the flow of a gaseous fuel from a fuel supply to a pressurized combustion chamber. A fuel pump is included in the gas train from supply to chamber. The fuel pump increases the pressure of the gas to allow efficient injection into the chamber. The pump is modulated to control the fuel flow. Both alternating current and pulse-width-modulated direct current signals may be used to control the flow. The pump may be a piston pump or a diaphragm pump. Feedback may be provided from sensors that determine operating parameters of the engine and such sensor signals may be used by the controller to maintain a parameter, such as temperature, at a specified value. An acoustic filter can be included in the gas train to significantly reduce gas flow pulsations generated by the pump. This filter improves the uniformity of the combustion process.

Abstract: An exhaust gas manifold having thermoelectric devices in the exhaust manifold of a stirling engine is disclosed.

Abstract: A domestic combined heat and power assembly comprising a wall mountable frame (13), a Stirling engine module (40) with a Stirling engine (41), and a heat exchanger module (20) for the recovery of heat from the Stirling engine. The Stirling engine module and the heat exchanger module are separate units which are mountable to the frame independently of one another.

Abstract: A Stirling engine is provided with a piston and a displacer. When the piston is made to reciprocate inside a cylinder by a linear motor, the displacer reciprocates inside a cylinder with a predetermined phase difference relative to the piston. In parts of the displacer and the cylinder that receives the displacer, the parts facing a compression space are made of metal, and the parts facing an expansion space are made of a low-thermal-conductivity material. In the metal part, the fitting accuracy is defined.

Abstract: A stirling engine includes a flow path which communicates a working space of the stirling engine and a crankcase of the stirling engine. An output of the stirling engine is controlled so that the output lowers when a pressure inside the working space is higher than a pressure in the crankcase, with a transfer of a fluid in the working space to the crankcase via the flow path thereby causing a decrease in the pressure of the working space.

Abstract: A device and method for producing energy from a dilute VOC gas stream. The device includes a concentrator that concentrates a dilute VOC gas stream into a concentrated VOC fuel. The concentrated VOC fuel is supplied to the fuel intake of an engine. The device is operated by adsorbing the dilute VOC onto an adsorbing media within a concentrator. The concentrator increases the concentration of VOC per unit volume. The adsorbed VOC are then desorbed to form a concentrated VOC fuel stream. The concentrated VOC fuel stream may be either liquefied VOC or a more concentrated VOC gas stream. The concentrated VOC fuel stream is then directed to an engine to produce kinetic or electrical energy.

Abstract: A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A heat engine, such as a Stirling engine, is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller. The heat engine has a thermal battery in thermal contact with it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the sun based on a determination by the heliostat.

Abstract: To convert energy, firstly a non-gaseous carrier medium is converted into a gaseous carrier medium by the introduction of thermal energy, so that the gaseous carrier medium rises and gains potential energy. Then the gaseous carrier medium is converted back at a specified height into a non-gaseous carrier medium. The potential energy of the recovered non-gaseous carrier medium can then be converted into another desired energy form.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for generating power though the use of thermodynamic engines and low-temperature liquids. A liquid cryogen maintains a temperature differential with a heat source across a thermodynamic engine. The thermodynamic engine is run to convert heat provided in the form of the temperature differential to a nonheat form of energy. Cryogen vapor produced by vaporization of the liquid cryogen is collected and combusted to generate additional energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing electrical energy from a thermal dynamic cycle. The apparatus can include a heat exchange apparatus portion that allows for a large surface area for thermal energy collection while maintaining an efficiency of the thermal dynamic cycle engine. For example, a Stirling engine can include a large heater head portion that can be contained within the pressure vessel of the thermal dynamic engine yet maintain the selected size of the various pistons of the thermal dynamic cycle engine.

Abstract: A Stirling engine assembly comprising a Stirling engine (1) having a head (2). A burner (7) for providing heat to the engine head surrounds the head. A flexible seal (20) seals the interface between the engine and burner. A first liquid coolant circuit (25) is positioned between the burner and seal to reduce the heat transfer from the burner to the seal.

Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes a first piston; a second piston; a first cylinder in which the first piston reciprocates; a second cylinder in which the second piston reciprocates; and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a heater that is independently shiftable with respect to at least one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and has one end portion arranged at a side of the first cylinder and receiving heat from heat medium, a regenerator that is arranged at a side of another end portion of the heater, and a cooler that has one end portion arranged at a side of the regenerator and another end portion arranged at a side of the second cylinder.

Abstract: A high efficiency harmonic engine based on a resonantly reciprocating piston expander that extracts work from heat and pressurizes working fluid in a reciprocating piston compressor. The engine preferably includes harmonic oscillator valves capable of oscillating at a resonant frequency for controlling the flow of working fluid into and out of the expander, and also preferably includes a shunt line connecting an expansion chamber of the expander to a buffer chamber of the expander for minimizing pressure variations in the fluidic circuit of the engine. The engine is especially designed to operate with very high temperature input to the expander and very low temperature input to the compressor, to produce very high thermal conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A high efficiency vapor (steam) engine/pump process in a closed system can use either water or liquefied gases for its working fluid to extract thermal energy from the ambient or non-ambient heat sources to increase its heat transfer rate and obtain power generation efficiency over 50%. A slow-speed two-phase piston steam engine's flywheel has a high ratio gear reducer attached to increase a generator's speed and produce power with over 50% efficiency and meet its power generation requirements (3,600 RPM). This two-phase vapor (steam) engine/pump substitutes the cooling condenser's and pump's functions of compressing the waste streams directly back into the boiler, and allows the process to run at temperatures lower than room temperature, with no need for a conventional cooling condenser.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for a pipe manufacturing process is shown. A compression or injection molding operation is used to form a sealing gasket which is used in the subsequent pipe manufacturing operation. A Stirling engine cycle is used to recover heat during the gasket manufacture. The Stirling engine is driven by waste heat from the mold members or other associated parts of the injection or compression molding apparatus. The recovered waste heat is used to subsequently heat the female pipe end which is being belled in the pipe manufacturing process.

Abstract: A power piston mechanism for a Stirling cycle engine for operation with a Stirling engine regenerator gas system, including an outer body having a chamber rotatably carried therein on a chamber axle; a power rotor confined in the chamber, the rotor being generally elongated, and having a rotor axle for rotation parallel to the chamber axle; a double eccentric gear train from the rotor to the outer body; a regenerator gas input port in the outer body for feeding gas from the regenerator gas system into the chamber and a regenerator gas exhaust port in said outer body for feeding gas from said chamber to the regenerator gas system, whereby high temperature gas from the regenerator gas system, fed to the chamber, causes rotation of the rotor which drives the chamber in rotation in the outer body producing a shaft output from the chamber axle and spent gas flow from the chamber which is returned to the regenerator gas system. In another embodiment the heating and cooling sources are contained in the outer body.

Abstract: A cogeneration system is preferably provided with a Stirling engine that has a pillar-shaped heated head, a burner that faces an end surface of the heated head of the Stirling engine, a first exhaust passage that extends along the side surface of the heated head of the Stirling engine, a second exhaust passage that continues from the first exhaust passage and extends along a side of the first exhaust passage opposite to the Stirling engine, and a first heat exchanger that is arranged on a side of the second exhaust passage opposite to the Stirling engine. This cogeneration system can recover more heat energy from combusted gas.

Abstract: An integrated sensor assembly (10) includes a gas compression unit (104) having a first longitudinal axis (308) and a gas expansion unit (112) having a second longitudinal axis (366) and the gas expansion unit is disposed with its second longitudinal axis orthogonal to the gas compression unit first longitudinal axis (308). A rotary motor (302) includes a rotor (324) supported for rotation with respect to a motor rotation axis (328) and the sensor assembly configuration is folded to orient the motor rotation axis substantially parallel with the second longitudinal axis (366). A motor shaft (320) extending from the rotor includes a first and second mounting features (336, 340) disposed substantially parallel with and radially offset from the motor rotation axis (328). A first drive coupling couples between the first mounting feature (336) and a gas compression piston (304) and drives the piston (304) with a reciprocal linear translation directed along the first longitudinal axis (308).