Patent ID: 7779632
Filing Date: 2010-08-24
Classification: F01K,F02G

Abstract:
1. An external combustion engine comprising a container sealed with a working medium adapted to flow in a liquid state; wherein the container includes a heating unit for heating part of the working medium and generating a vapor of the working medium and a cooling unit for cooling and liquefying the vapor; wherein the generation and liquefaction of the vapor by the heating unit and the cooling unit changes the volume of the working medium and a displacement of the liquid portion of the working medium caused by the volume change of the working medium is converted into mechanical energy and output; wherein the heating unit is heated by a heat source external to the heating unit and generates the vapor by exchanging heat with the working medium in the liquid state flowing into the heating unit; wherein the heating unit is formed by bonding inner members arranged on the inside facing the working medium and outside members arranged on the outside facing the heat source; wherein the inner members of the heating unit facing the working medium are made of a first material higher in heat transmission performance than said outer members, and the outer members are made of a second material higher than the inner members in an upper limit temperature at which a required strength of the container can be maintained during the operation of the external combustion engine.