Patent ID: 7089735
Filing Date: 2006-08-15
Classification: F02G

Abstract:
1. For a Stirling cycle based system having a first heat exchanger to transfer heat from a heat source to a working fluid and a second heat exchanger to transfer heat from the working fluid to a heat sink, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger positioned according to a first dimension defining a shortest distance between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, a regenerator positioned within the Stirling cycle based system to contact a portion of the working fluid as the working fluid moves between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the regenerator comprising: a plurality of fins shaped to at least partially twist about the first dimension, the fins positioned and spaced apart from one another to form channels, therebetween, the channels being positioned within the Stirling cycle based system to each extend along a majority of the first dimension between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and to direct at least partial passage of the working fluid between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger along a pathway at least partially twisting about the first dimension to cause the working fluid to travel a longer distance in going between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger than it would if the working fluid would travel entirely along the first dimension between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.