Device for decreasing the start-up time for stirling engines
AssigneeFord Motor Company
InventorRichard C. Belaire
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The closed fluid working system of a Stirling cycle engine is disclosed having incorporated therein an improved regenerator assembly which modifies the thermodynamic responsiveness of the working system particularly during cold-start conditions. A foraminous regenerator matrix is constructed with a predetermined matrix heat capacity to void volume ratio, and has invested therein an electrical heating element arranged in thermally conductive relationship with a desired zone of the matrix. The heating element is controlled to be energized for attaining precise heat exchange conditions within the matrix.
Claims4
A closed fluid working circuit for a regenerative type Stirling engine having a conventional electrical circuit and system for starting, the closed fluid working circuit having a plurality of chambers subdivided by double-acting pistons operating therein, the subdivided chambers being respectively hot and cold and connected in series whereby a hot chamber is always in communication with a cold chamber of the next most adjacent cylinder, said intercommunication between adjacent cylinders containing a foraminous regenerator matrix and a cooling mechanism, the improvement comprising:
- a. means defining an electrical heating element invested within said regenerator matrix, said element extending throughout a zone of said regenerator matrix to effect raising the temperature of said regenerator matrix to a temperature level substantially above a predetermined mean operating temperature within a predetermined period of time, measured from when said element is energized, and
- b. control means effective to energize the electrical element upon closing of the starting circuit of said engine and effective to de-energize said element when a predetermined temperature level is reached in a hot chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.