Control scheme for power modulation of a free piston Stirling engine

Patent · Tue Oct 17 04:00:00 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): A; US 4873826
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-291190A
• OSTI ID: 5729334
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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