Liquid piston heat-actuated heat pump and methods of operating same

US4148195A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Joseph Gerstmann · Framingham, US
• Yizhak Friedman · Newton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 12, 1977
• Grant date: Apr 10, 1979
• Expiry date: Dec 12, 1997

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F02G2270/70
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A heat-actuated heat pump is disclosed having liquid pistons which displace the working gas and transmit power between expanding gas and compressing gas. Power output from expanding sections is transmitted to compressing sections without intervening mechanical shafts or levers, and the phasing of the various pistons is self-regulated, thereby eliminating the need for phase control mechanisms, such as crankshafts. The engine and heat pump operate in a thermally regenerated cycle without valves, closely approximating a Stirling cycle.