Closed cycle heat engine
US10982713B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2018 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/46
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Heat engines employing fluid bearing assemblies hermetically sealed with a closed flowpath for a working fluid are generally disclosed. For example, the heat engine includes a rotating drivetrain and a fluid bearing assembly. The rotating drivetrain includes a compressor section, an expander section, and a heat exchanger. The compressor section and expander section together define at least in part a closed flowpath for the flow of a working fluid. The heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the closed flowpath for adding heat to the working fluid. The fluid bearing assembly is configured to utilize the working fluid to support the rotating drivetrain. Further, the fluid bearing assembly is hermetically sealed with the closed flowpath.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.