Control scheme for power modulation of a free piston Stirling engine

Patent · Tue Oct 17 00:00:00 EDT 1989

OSTI ID:5729334

Dhar, M

This patent describes a control system for power modulation of a free piston Stirling engine. It comprises: a receiver adapted to absorb solar energy and to convert the solar energy into thermal energy; a power module comprising a displacer type free piston Stirling engine having power and displacer pistons, and a linear alternator connected to the engine, the power module adapted to receive and to convert the thermal energy into electrical energy; a utility grid adapted to receive the electrical energy from the power module; an autotransformer connected in series between the linear alternator and the grid, the autotransformer being connected by feedback means to the receiver so that a change in solar insolation to the receiver varies the autotransformer turns ratio thus changing the linear alternator's terminal voltage and changing power piston and displacer piston amplitude accordingly to maintain a high engine efficiency cycle over a large operating range for solar insolation absorbed by the receiver.

• Assignee: Mechanical Technology Inc., Latham, NY (USA)
• Patent Number(s): US 4873826; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-291190A
• OSTI ID: 5729334
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 28 Dec 1988
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
STIRLING ENGINES
CONTROL SYSTEMS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRICITY
ENERGY CONVERSION
MODULATION
PISTONS
SOLAR ENERGY
TRANSFORMERS
CONVERSION
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
HEAT ENGINES
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
330201* - External Combustion Engines- Stirling Cycle