Self-pressurizing Stirling engine
US7810325B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A heat engine, such as a Stirling engine, is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller. The heat engine has a thermal battery in thermal contact with it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the sun based on a determination by the heliostat.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.