Patent ID: 6983598
Filing Date: 2006-01-10
Classification: F01K

Abstract:
1. An engine comprising an expansion chamber, the chamber accommodating a drive member movable within a housing, the drive member being movable with respect to the housing to produce shaft power, the engine further comprising inlet means for admitting to the chamber a drive fluid, comprising a refrigerated liquified gas, and also for admitting to the chamber a heat-exchange liquid, outlet means for withdrawing the heat-exchange liquid, in a cooled state, from the chamber and a heat exchanger for increasing the temperature of the withdrawn heat-exchange liquid prior to re-circulation of the heat-exchange liquid through the chamber, in use the drive fluid expanding in the chamber and the heat-exchange liquid giving up heat energy to the expanding to a gaseous state drive fluid, the expansion of the drive fluid, in the expansion chamber, causing the generation of shaft power by the engine.