Heat exchanger and associated method employing a stirling engine
US9021800B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 5, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F2250/08
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A heat exchanger and associated method are provided that may eliminate or reduce the need for an external mechanical or electrical power source to drive the fan by utilization, instead, of a Stirling engine. A heat exchanger includes a plurality of coils configured to carry a primary fluid. The heat exchanger also includes a fan including a plurality of fan blades configured to force a secondary fluid across the plurality of coils to facilitate heat transfer between the primary and secondary fluids. The heat exchanger also includes a Stirling engine operably connected to the fan and configured to cause rotation of the fan blades. A corresponding method is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.