Patent ID: 6269639
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: F02G,F05C,F25B,F28D,F28F,H02K

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:(a) a heat engine comprising:(i) a container defining a sealed region within which a working fluid is circulated when the heat engine is in use, the sealed region having a heating chamber and a cooling chamber, the heating and cooling chambers being in fluid flow communication via a working fluid passageway;(ii) a variable heat source thermally connected to the heating chamber whereby the variable heat source provides variable heat levels to the working fluid;(iii) a displacer movably mounted in the sealed region between a first position and a second position to define a displacer cycle profile;(iv) a piston movably mounted in the sealed region between a first position and a second position to define a piston cycle profile, one of the displacer and the piston has an adjustable drive member associated therewith for moving the one of the displacer and the piston in response to a signal and the other of the displacer and the piston is movable in the sealed region due to forces applied thereto by the working fluid;(b) a power output member drivenly connected to the piston and having an output for supplying work; and,(c) an adjustable signal generator for modulating the signal provided to the adjustable drive to adjust the cycle profile of the one of the displacer and the piston.