Title: Harmonic uniflow engine

Abstract

A reciprocating-piston uniflow engine includes a harmonic oscillator inlet valve capable of oscillating at a resonant frequency for controlling the flow of working fluid into the engine. In particular, the inlet valve includes an inlet valve head and a spring arranged together as a harmonic oscillator so that the inlet valve head is moveable from an unbiased equilibrium position to a biased closed position occluding an inlet. When released, the inlet valve head undergoes a single oscillation past the equilibrium position to a maximum open position and returns to a biased return position close to the closed position to choke the flow and produce a pressure drop across the inlet valve causing the inlet valve to close. In other embodiments, the harmonic oscillator arrangement of the inlet valve enables the uniflow engine to be reversibly operated as a uniflow compressor.

Inventors:

Bennett, Charles L.

Issue Date:

2016-03-22

Research Org.:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1243331

Patent Number(s):

9291056

Application Number:

14/243,729

Assignee:

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (Livermore, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F01 - MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL F01B - MACHINES OR ENGINES, IN GENERAL OR OF POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT TYPE, e.g. STEAM ENGINES

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F01 - MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL F01C - ROTARY-PISTON OR OSCILLATING-PISTON MACHINES OR ENGINES

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F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F01 - MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL F01B - MACHINES OR ENGINES, IN GENERAL OR OF POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT TYPE, e.g. STEAM ENGINES

F01B17/02 - Engines
F01B25/02 - Regulating or controlling by varying working-fluid admission or exhaust, e.g. by varying pressure or quantity

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F01 - MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL F01C - ROTARY-PISTON OR OSCILLATING-PISTON MACHINES OR ENGINES

F01C21/18 - Arrangements for admission or discharge of the working fluid, e.g. constructional features of the inlet or outlet

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F01 - MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL F01L - CYCLICALLY OPERATING VALVES FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES

F01L23/00 - Valves controlled by impact by piston, e.g. in free-piston machines {
F01L3/205 - {Reed valves}

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F04 - POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS F04B - POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS

F04B49/22 - by means of valves
F04B53/146 - {Piston-rod guiding arrangements}

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F15 - FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS F15B - SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL

F15B13/027 - {Check valves}

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC52-07NA27344

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2014 Apr 02

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS; 42 ENGINEERING