Stirling engine systems, apparatus and methods
US8151568B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49895
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of Stirling engine technology to convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to energy converting apparatus are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to the field alignment of panels and the assembly of a concentrator. In another aspect, a passive balancer is used in combination with a ring frame and other moving masses to reduce engine forces and vibration on the structure of the energy converting apparatus while maintaining properly constrained alignment of various suspended masses. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to various over-insolation control and management strategy to prevent overheating of the energy converting apparatus or components and subsystems thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.