Stirling cycle transducer for converting between thermal energy and mechanical energy
US9394851B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02G2243/52
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The apparatus includes a housing, a compression chamber disposed in the housing and having at least a first interface operable to vary a volume of the compression chamber, an expansion chamber disposed in the housing and having a second interface operable to vary a volume of at least the expansion chamber, and a thermal regenerator in fluid communication with each of the compression chamber and the expansion chamber. The thermal regenerator is operable to alternatively receive thermal energy from gas flowing in a first direction through the regenerator and to deliver the thermal energy to gas flowing in a direction opposite to the first direction through the regenerator. The compression chamber, the expansion chamber, and the regenerator together define a working volume for containing a pressurized working gas. Each of the first and second interfaces are configured for reciprocating motion in a direction aligned with a transducer axis, the reciprocating motion being operable to cause a periodic exchange of working gas between the expansion and the compression chambers. In one aspect, at least one of the first and second interfaces includes a resilient diaphragm, and a cylindrical t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.