Patent ID: 7716927
Filing Date: 2010-05-18
Classification: F02G

Abstract:
1. A Stirling engine assembly comprising a Stirling engine having a generally cylindrical head, an annular burner surrounding the head and defining a combustion chamber between the burner and head, an annular seal between the burner and head to provide a seal for combustion gases, a thermocouple housing in thermal contact with the head and sealed from the combustion chamber, the thermocouple housing extending out of the combustion chamber, with the interface between the thermocouple housing and combustion chamber being sealed, the thermocouple housing having an opening outside the combustion chamber, and a thermocouple in the thermocouple housing extending from a location adjacent to the head out of the opening in the thermocouple housing; wherein the Stirling engine has a plurality of rows of fins surrounding the head; and wherein at least one row is provided with an orifice to allow the thermocouple housing to pass therethrough.