Variable cycle stirling engine and gas leakage control system therefor

Patent · Tue Dec 25 00:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5782515

Otters, J

An improved thermal engine of the type having a displacer body movable between the hot end and the cold end of a chamber for subjecting a fluid within that chamber to a thermodynamic cycle and having a work piston driven by the fluid for deriving a useful work output. The work piston pumps a hydraulic fluid and a hydraulic control valve is connected in line with the hydraulic output conduit such that the flow of hydraulic fluid may be restricted to any desired degree or stopped altogether. The work piston can therefore be controlled by means of a controller device independently from the movement of the displacer such that a variety of engine cycles can be obtained for optimum engine efficiency under varying load conditions. While a Stirling engine cycle is particularly contemplated, other engine cycles may be obtained by controlling the movement of the displacer and work pistons. Also disclosed are a working gas recovery system for controlling leakage of working gas from the displacer chamber, and a compound work piston arrangement for preventing leakage of hydraulic fluid around the work piston into the displacer chamber.

• Assignee: EDB-85-072583
• Patent Number(s): US 4489554
• OSTI ID: 5782515
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: Filed date 9 Jul 1982; Other Information: PAT-APPL-396606
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
STIRLING ENGINES
CONTROL SYSTEMS
LEAKS
OPERATION
DYNAMIC LOADS
HYDRAULICS
MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY
PISTONS
STIRLING CYCLE
VALVES
WORKING FLUIDS
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
EFFICIENCY
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
FLUID MECHANICS
FLUIDS
HEAT ENGINES
MECHANICS
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES
330201* - External Combustion Engines- Stirling Cycle