Externally heated engine
US7076941B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28D15/02
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An externally heated engine is provided which has at least two pistons. The first piston has a first side (working side) and a second side opposite the first side. The first side of the first piston and the first cylinder define a first working chamber containing working fluid. The second side of the first piston and the first cylinder define a first opposite chamber containing an opposing fluid. A heater heats the working fluid in the first cylinder. Preferably, the cylinder is heated by a heat source so that the working fluid has a temperature of no more than 500° Fahrenheit with a temperature difference between the heat source and the working fluid of less than 5° Fahrenheit. The second piston reciprocates within a second cylinder, and has a first side (working side) and a second side opposite the first side. The first side and the cylinder define a working chamber containing working fluid. The second side of the piston and the cylinder define a second opposite chamber containing an opposing fluid. The working fluid in the second cylinder is cooled to a temperature of below 35° Fahrenheit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.