Abstract A closed fluid working system for a Stirling engine is disclosed. The working system has a plurality of chambers subdivided by double-acting pistons operating therein; the subdivided chambers are 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. Parallel arranged gas flow paths are interposed in each communication between hot and cold chambers, and regenerator-cooler mechanisms are disposed in each of said parallel arranged paths. Control means are employed to permit flow through one or more of said parallel paths or flow of different levels through all of the paths, during different load conditions of the engine to permit the regenerator-cooling capacity to be tuned to the needs of the engine.
A closed fluid working circuit for a regenerative type Stirling engine 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, the improvement comprising: (a) means defining a plurality of parallel arranged gas flow paths between the respective hot chamber and cold chamber of adjacent cylinders; (b) regenerator-cooler means disposed in each of said parallel arranged gas flow paths, and (c) control means for selectively permitting gas flow through one or more of said regenerator-cooling means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
A closed fluid working circuit for a regenerative type Stirling engine 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, the improvement comprising: (a) means defining a plurality of parallel arranged gas flow paths between the respective hot chamber and cold chamber of adjacent cylinders; (b) regenerator-cooler means disposed in each of said parallel arranged gas flow paths, and (c) control means for selectively permitting gas flow through one or more of said regenerator-cooling means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement as in claim 1, in which said control means is effective to restrict flow simultaneously through each of said regenerator-cooler means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improvement as in claim 1, in which at least one of said regenerator-cooling means is not valve controlled, but remains in the open fully communicated condition at all times.