Abstract:
A Stirling thermodynamic cycle rotary thermal machine includes an eccentric shaft rotatably supported in a stator housing, a plurality of double piston carriers each carrying a plurality of pairs of oppositely arranged pistons, and a rotor having a number of cylinders each accommodating one of the pistons. Hot and cold corridors, separated from one another by a thermally separating wall, are defined around the rotor. Some of the cylinders in the rotor are associated with the hot corridor and the remaining ones with the cold corridor in a heat-exchange relationship therewith. Conduits with regenerators interposed in them connect the hot and cold corridor pistons with one another such that the respective hot corridor cylinder is ahead of the associated cold corridor cylinder by 90° as considered in the direction of rotation of the rotor. A transmission with a transmission ratio of 1:2 is interposed between the eccentric shaft and the rotor so that the eccentric shaft always rotates at twice the speed of rotation of the rotor.
Abstract:
A Stirling engine machine comprises a plurality of opposing pairs of cylinder modules. Each cylinder module comprises a first end, a second end, and a piston moveable along a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The opposing pairs of cylinder modules have axes that are substantially aligned with each other such that movement of the pistons of opposing pairs substantially dynamically cancel. The opposing pairs of cylinder modules have first ends that are in proximity to each other.
Abstract:
Present implementations provide an approach that allows for a double-acting, multi-cylinder, thermodynamically resonant, alpha configuration free-piston Stirling system. The system includes overstroke preventers that control extent of piston travel to prevent undesirable consequences of piston travel beyond predetermined limits. The overstroke preventers involve controlled work extraction out of the system or controlled work input into the system. Implementations can also include duplex linear alternators, and/or frequency tuning systems, and/or vibration balancing configurations.
Abstract:
The aim of the invention is to improve upon conventional electricity generator sets consisting of a driven generator with relatively complex couplings and possibly a gear box transmission between the crank shaft and the generator.In accordance with the invention the engine is a stirling or hot gas engine with at least four double acting cylinders, each of whose pistons placed between a hot and a cold cycle space is connected with a piston rod on a cross head linearly guided in a cross head guide and coupled via coupling member, more especially one in the form of a connecting rod, with a crank shaft. Furthermore the moving elements--permanent magnets or exciting windings--of a linear generator are located in each cross head and the stationary parts--stators--are arranged on the associated cross head guide. The crank shaft and linking members only serve to synchronize the working cycles of the engine and are therefore only designed for light duty. Furthermore the crank shaft is entirely comprised within the crank shaft housing and the latter is hermetically sealed.The generator set serves as a self-contained unit for the production of electricity with a comparatively high power output, such electric output being used for charging an accumulator, running a load or for supplying a distribution network.
Abstract:
A power control arrangement for a Stirling engine includes a sleeve mounted in each cylinder for axial movement and a port in the sleeve leading to a dead space. The port is covered by the piston at a position that is determined by the piston position and the axial adjustment of the sleeve. The compression phase of the Stirling cycle for that piston begins when the port is covered, so the position of the sleeve is used to set the Stirling engine power level.
Abstract:
In a Stirling cycle engine having a plurality of working gas charges separated by pistons reciprocating in cylinders, the total gas content is minimized and the mean pressure equalization among the serial cylinders is improved by using two piston rings axially spaced at least as much as the piston stroke and by providing a duct in the cylinder wall opening in the space between the two piston rings and leading to a source of minimum or maximum working gas pressure.