Convertor for thermal energy into electrical energy using Stirling motor and integral electrical generator
First Claim
1. Convertor for converting into electrical energy the mechanical energy developed by a thermal piston motor operating along the Stirling thermodynamic cycle, comprising a hermetically sealed enclosure under pressure deprived of mechanical connection to the outside, said hermetically sealed enclosure enclosing a displacing piston guided thereby to induce therein pressure variations due to piston movements, a drive piston also guided thereby and having a face on which said pressure variations are directly exerted without recourse to physical transmission between said pistons, a linear electric generator having a movable magnetic component, and a positive mechanical transmission between said drive piston and said movable magnetic component whereby said magnetic component positively follows up said drive piston and in return any electric control affecting said magnetic component inherently reflects fully on said drive piston for achieving an overall control of the magnetic component and drive piston assembly.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to external combustion engines and more precisely to motors using the Stirling cycle designed to directly convert thermal energy into electrical energy.
In accordance with the invention, this transformation is carried out inside a machine which is completely sealed, without a mechanical connection with the outside, in which the power piston drives the moveable part of an electrical generator. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, this electrical generator is a linear alternator. In accordance with a further original feature of the invention, control of the coupling between the displacing piston and the power piston is carried out by using electronic regulation.
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Citations
13 Claims
- 1. Convertor for converting into electrical energy the mechanical energy developed by a thermal piston motor operating along the Stirling thermodynamic cycle, comprising a hermetically sealed enclosure under pressure deprived of mechanical connection to the outside, said hermetically sealed enclosure enclosing a displacing piston guided thereby to induce therein pressure variations due to piston movements, a drive piston also guided thereby and having a face on which said pressure variations are directly exerted without recourse to physical transmission between said pistons, a linear electric generator having a movable magnetic component, and a positive mechanical transmission between said drive piston and said movable magnetic component whereby said magnetic component positively follows up said drive piston and in return any electric control affecting said magnetic component inherently reflects fully on said drive piston for achieving an overall control of the magnetic component and drive piston assembly.
Specification