Patent ID: 7987670
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: F01K

Abstract:
1. An external combustion engine comprising: multiple pipe-shaped main containers, in which working fluid of liquid condition is charged; heating portions respectively formed at one end of the respective main containers, each of the heating portions having a heating device for heating a part of the working fluid in the main containers to produce steam of the working fluid; cooling portions respectively formed at the one end of the respective main containers but at a lower position than the respective heating portions, each of the cooling portions having a cooling device for cooling down the steam to condense and liquefy the same to its liquid condition; an output portion connected to the other end of the respective main containers for converting movement of liquid portion of the working fluid into kinetic energy, wherein the liquid portion of the working fluid is moved in the main containers in accordance with volume change of the working fluid caused by production and condensation of the steam; an auxiliary container, in which working fluid identical to the working fluid charged in the main containers is charged; first and second communication pipes arranged in parallel to each other and respectively communicated with the main containers at one end and with the auxiliary container at the other end; a restricted portion formed in the first communication pipe; a first switching device provided in the first communication pipe for opening or closing the same; a second switching device provided in the second communication pipe for opening or closing the same; and a control unit for controlling operations for the heating and cooling devices and the first and second switching devices, in such a way that operational phases for movement of liquid portion of the working fluid in the respective main containers differ from each other, during a starting operation, the first switching device is operated to close the first communication pipe, and the second switching device is operated to open the second communication pipe, and during a steady state operation following the starting operation, the first switching device is operated to open the first communication pipe, and the second switching device is operated to close the second communication pipe.