Variable gas spring for matching power output from FPSE to load of refrigerant compressor
- Athens, OH
The power output of a free piston Stirling engine is matched to a gas compressor which it drives and its stroke amplitude is made relatively constant as a function of power by connecting a gas spring to the drive linkage from the engine to the compressor. The gas spring is connected to the compressor through a passageway in which a valve is interposed. The valve is linked to the drive linkage so it is opened when the stroke amplitude exceeds a selected limit. This allows compressed gas to enter the spring, increase its spring constant, thus opposing stroke increase and reducing the phase lead of the displacer ahead of the piston to reduce power output and match it to a reduced load power demand.
- Research Organization:
- LOCKHEED MARTIN ENRGY SYST INC
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- Assignee:
- Sunpower, Inc. (Athens, OH)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4912929
- OSTI ID:
- 867318
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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