Stabilized free-piston stirling cycle machine
US4967558A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 1989 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02G2290/00
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A free piston Stirling cycle machine is illustrated by an engine that utilizes an axially movable displacer subjected to working gas pressures. A primary hydraulic circuit hydrostatically couples a displacer drive rod integral with the displacer to a counterbalance illustrated in the form of a scotch yoke. The counterbalance stabilizes and controls the Stirling cycle engine by constraining the displacer's reciprocating axial motion in a repetitive pattern. A throttling valve interposed in the primary hydraulic fluid circuit is used to adjustably resist displacer motion as required by engine operating conditions. A secondary hydraulic circuit is provided together with a bellows assembly between the working gas and power pistons to convert changes in working gas pressure to usable power output in the form of pumped hydraulic fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.