Patent ID: 8024929
Filing Date: 2011-09-27
Classification: F01K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for converting a differential in thermal energy between a first thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid and a second thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid, the apparatus comprising: a pair of gas-filled vessels in communication with said first and second thermal sources; a pressure driven reciprocating actuator comprising a pnematic cylinder defining a first chamber and a second chamber separated by at least one piston moveable within said pneumatic cylinder, said first chamber and said second chamber in fluid communication with said gas-filled vessels; said pair of gas-filled vessels supplying a gas comprising a working fluid to said first chamber and said second chamber of said pressure driven reciprocating actuator; and, a controller for alternating flow of the thermal energy from the fist and second thermal source between each of the pair of gas-filled vessels to alternately raise and lower pressure of said gas in the vessels to alternately transfer gas from one vessel to a one of the first chamber and the second chamber of the reciprocating actuator and transfer gas from an other of the first chamber and the second chamber of the reciprocating actuator to the other vessel to drive the actuator in reciprocating motion.