Unidirectional energy converter

Patent · Tue Jul 28 00:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:5878438

Anno, J N; Fawcett, S L

Thermal energy is converted into rotational energy by using the expansion of a fluid medium to propel a plurality of pistons within at least one continuous, closed-loop passageway mounted on a rotatable platform. In at least one region of the passageway, the pistons must move inwardly against centrifugal force as the platform rotates. In at least one other region of the passageway, the pistons are moved outwardly under the influence of centrifugal force. Means are provided for imparting force to successive ones of the pistons to propel them against centrifugal force in said one region; while means are provided for converting the energy of pistons moving outwardly under the influence of centrifugal force in said other region into rotational energy. This rotational energy is used to drive gears mounted on the platform which mesh with a stationary gear carried beneath the platform to cause rotation of the platform about its rotational axis. The energy used to accelerate the pistons is thereby converted into rotational energy of the platform. In one embodiment of the invention, at least two continuous, closed-loop passageways are used on the platform in order to prevent an unbalanced condition. In another embodiment of the invention, a single passageway is used on the platform comprising two essentially straight portions on opposite sides of the axis of rotation of the platform interconnected at their opposite ends by curved portions, also on opposite sides of the axis of rotation of the platform. By forcibly rotating the platform in reverse, the invention can be used as a compressor.

• Assignee: Battelle Development Corp
• Patent Number(s): US 4280325
• OSTI ID: 5878438
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 24 Jul 1980
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
ENERGY CONVERSION
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES
DESIGN
BRAYTON CYCLE
CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL
COMBUSTION CHAMBERS
COMPRESSED GASES
FLUID FLOW
FUELS
PISTONS
RANKINE CYCLE
ROTATION
SUPPORTS
WHEELS
CONTROL
CONVERSION
FLUIDS
GASES
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
MOTION
425000* - Engineering- Power Cycles- (1980-)