Thermal engine

• US 4,014,170 A
• Filed: 01/08/1976
• Issued: 03/29/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Roger L. Kitterman
• Original Assignee: Roger L. Kitterman
• Inventors: Kitterman, Roger L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ostrager, Allen M.
• Application Number:
  US05/647,621
• Time in Patent Office: 446 Days
• Field of Search: 60/325, 60/527, 60/528, 60/529, 417/379
• US Class Current: 60/529
• CPC Class Codes: F03G 7/06 using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like using thermal expansion of non-vaporising liquids F01K

Abstract

A thermal motor is disclosed for converting heat energy to hydramechanical energy. A plurality of heat-responsive elements are mounted on a rotor to periodically expose the elements to heating and cooling. Thermally responsive elements generate a mechanical movement in response to the heating and cooling. The mechanical movement actuates a hydraulic cylinder which, in turn, operates a hydraulic motor. The output of the hydraulic motor is used to perform useful work and also to rotate the rotor. In one preferred form, the heat-responsive elements are in the form of bimetallic strips which mechanically deflect.

Claims

1. A thermal motor for converting heat energy to mechanical energy comprising:

a. a rotor defining a plurality of cylinder chambers each having a reciprocable piston therein;

b. heat-responsive means which mechanically move in response to a temperature change operatively connected to said pistons;

c. a hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic motor having an output shaft, said circuit interconnecting said cylinder chambers with said motor whereby reciprocation of said piston actuates said motor; and

d. means for rotating said rotor a predetermined rotational speed to selectively expose said heat-responsive means to a heat source.

2. The thermal motor of claim 1 wherein said hydraulic motor output shaft is operatively connected to drive said rotor.

3. The thermal motor of claim 1 wherein said heat-responsive means comprise bi-metallic elements.

4. The thermal motor of claim 1 wherein said thermal motor is mounted on platform means for diurnal tracking.

5. The thermal motor of claim 3 wherein said bi-metallic elements are peripherally mounted about said rotor.

6. The thermal motor of claim 5 wherein said motor is mounted on a tracking means to orient the bi-metallic strips with respect to the heat source.

7. The thermal motor of claim 6 further including means for cooling the heat responsive elements at a predetermined point in the rotational position of the rotor.

8. The thermal motor of claim 1 further including means for receiving and storing energy produced by said motor.