Stirling cycle refrigerator or engine employing the rotary wankel mechanism
US6109040A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02G2270/10
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A non-reciprocating Stirling-cycle machine which overcomes problems associated with high drive mechanism forces and vibration that seriously hamper reciprocating Stirling-cycle machines. The design employs Wankel rotors instead of the reciprocating pistons used in prior Stirling machines for effecting the compression and expansion cycles. Key innovations are the use of thermodynamic symmetry to allow coupling of the rotating compression and expansion spaces through simple stationary regenerators, and the coordination of thermodynamic and inertial phasing to allow complete balancing with one simple passive counterweight, which is not possible in reciprocating machines. The design can be scaled over a wide range of temperatures and capacities for use as a cryogenic or utilitarian refrigerator or to function as an external heat powered engine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.