Displacer motion control within air engines
AssigneeCool Energy, Inc.
InventorsBrian P. Nuel, Samuel P. Weaver
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for generating power. A thermodynamic air engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature differential to mechanical energy. The thermodynamic air engine has a working fluid and a displacer adapted to move through the working fluid. The temperature differential is established across the thermodynamic air engine between a first side of the engine and a second side of the engine. The displacer is directly actuated to move the displacer cyclically through the working fluid in accordance with a defined motion pattern.
Claims23
A method of generating power, the method comprising:
- providing a thermodynamic air engine configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature differential to mechanical energy, the thermodynamic air engine comprising a working fluid and a displacer adapted to move through the working fluid;
- establishing the temperature differential across the thermodynamic air engine between a first side of the thermodynamic air engine and a second side of the thermodynamic air engine;
- and
- directly actuating the displacer to move the displacer cyclically through the working fluid in accordance with a defined motion pattern, wherein the motion pattern comprises a first half cycle effected over a first time;
- the first half cycle comprises:
- motion of the displacer from a first position proximate the first side to a second position proximate the second side effected over a first motion time small in comparison to the first time;
- and
- maintenance of the displacer substantially at the second position for a remainder of the first time.
An apparatus for generating power, the apparatus comprising:
- a thermodynamic air engine configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature differential to mechanical energy, the thermodynamic air engine comprising a working fluid and a displacer adapted to move through the working fluid;
- and
- a displacer actuator adapted to provide direct actuation of the displacer to move the displacer cyclically through the working fluid in accordance with a defined motion pattern, wherein the motion pattern comprises a first half cycle effected over a first time;
- the first half cycle comprises:
- motion of the displacer from a first position proximate the first side to a second position proximate the second side effected over a first motion time small in comparison to the first time;
- and
- maintenance of the displacer substantially at the second position for a remainder of the first time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.