Patent ID: 8800283
Filing Date: 2014-08-12
Classification: F03G

Abstract:
1. A method of starting and operating a shape memory alloy (SMA) heat engine having a first rotatable pulley, a second rotatable pulley, and an SMA material disposed about the first and second rotatable pulleys and between a hot region and a cold region, the method comprising: detecting a thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region using a controller; decoupling an electrical generator from one of the first and second rotatable pulleys; monitoring a speed of the SMA material about the first and second rotatable pulleys; re-engaging the electrical generator if the monitored speed of the SMA material exceeds a threshold; and wherein the SMA material is configured to selectively change crystallographic phase between martensite and austenite, thereby converting the thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region into mechanical energy.