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ENGINE AND HEAT PUMP DEVELOPMENT
Heat engines are able to run on any available fuel. Engines of this type will become increasingly important for their ability to offer a carbon neutral means of generating power. Their application in developing countries is important since it will permit locally available fuels to be used for power generation. At present, the most important type of heat engine is the Stirling Engine which was invented in 1814. An adaptation of the design was the Ericsson engine. Engines of these types were in widespread use until petrol and diesel engines grew in popularity. The high power which could be produced by small diesel and petrol units was the main reason for the demise of heat engines. Fuel oil was also extremely cheap, and its convenience of use remains superior to that of solid fuels. With oil becoming scarcer, and carbon emissions a concern, heat engines are poised to re-emerge as prime movers in certain applications.
Another advantage of the basic heat engine design is that the cycle can operate in reverse as a heat pump. This means that a refrigeration or air conditioning plant can be constructed using many of the same components as a corresponding heat engine. What is more, a heat pump designed to operate on the Stirling cycle does not require CFCs or HCFCs. It is therefore an environmentally sensible choice. Stirling cycle heat pumps can also operate over a much wider temperature range than those which use chemicals as a working fluid.
The objective of this development programme is to construct a concept demonstrator to prove the viability of the improvements defined in the above patent application. One of the difficulties faced during development of any new technology is obtaining the necessary finance. The sum of money required is not large from the perspective of a corporation. However, the underlying philosophy of patentlease which is intended to accompany this and associated development work requires a moral outlook which is uncharacteristic of businesses run purely for profit. Conversely, this is not a charity project, though it is hoped that the outcome will be globally beneficial and available. If successful, the rewards for those who support the development of this new technology could be significant.
Private individuals who have an interest in sustainable technologies and who find the development philosophy attractive represent the natural alternative to corporate investors. However, individuals do not generally possess the financial resources necessary to fund an entire development programme. Thus a means of spreading the financial burden which is beneficial to those supporting the programme was evolved. Development does not take place overnight, and there will be many twists along the way. The funding objective is to offer a method whereby those associated with the scheme can commit funds as their means permit, and withdraw if at any stage they feel that they no longer wish to continue their support.
Applications for the engine or heat pump are extensive.
A technical description of the method of operation and illustrations of two possible constructions of the novel type of heat engine or heat pump are contained in this paper which was delivered at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Automotive Division Conference, TVT 2004. One construction implements the Carnot cycle, while an alternative variant implements the Stirling cycle with important advantages over existing configurations. There are a variety of enhancements which implement other thermodynamic cycles including the Ericsson cycle.
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