Closed loop solar collector system powering a self-starting uniflow steam engine

Patent · Tue Dec 09 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:6958884

Johnston, B W

A uniform engine is described comprising: (a) a cylinder having a pair of inlet openings respectively located at opposite ends thereof and a central discharge port between the inlet openings; (b) a piston movable within the cylinder and including a drive shaft connected for delivery of power; (c) first and second normally closed poppet inlet valves respectively located to open and close each inlet opening. Each poppet valve is opened upon contact with the piston traveling into an end of stroke position to admit pressurized fluid into one of a pair of cylinder chambers located respectively on opposite ends of the piston, the chamber communicating with a source of pressurized fluid through the first and second valves; and (d) a connecting rod simultaneously engageable with a valve rod of each inlet valve for coordinating opening and closing of each of the first and second valves when pressure of fluid supplied to the engine is below a predetermined pressure level. A detent means is included for retaining the connecting rod means in a stationary position to maintain the first valve open and the second valve closed as the piston travels out of contact with the first valve. The connecting rod means is movable to close the first valve and open the second valve when the piston contacts the second valve with a force sufficient to overcome the bias of the detent means. The connecting rod means and detent means thereby maintain one of the first or second valves open and the other valve closed when pressure of fluid is below the predetermined level to enable start-up of the engine and operation thereof in a non-expanded piston state.

• Assignee: NOV; NOV-85-038109; EDB-87-013878
• Patent Number(s): US 4627241
• OSTI ID: 6958884
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140909* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Miscellaneous Solar Applications-- (1980-)
141000 -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL
CONTROL
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
CYLINDERS
DESIGN
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
FLUID FLOW
HEAT ENGINES
MACHINE PARTS
OPERATION
PISTONS
POSITIONING
PRESSURE EFFECTS
PRESSURIZING
SHAFTS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR HEAT ENGINES
START-UP
VALVES