Preliminary Assessment of a Magnetically Coupled Free-Piston Stirling Engine Heat Pump Compressor.

摘要

The potential advantages of direct magnetic coupling of a free-piston Stirling engine with a vapor compressor are being investigated experimentally. Results to date indicate no problems with dynamics, mechanical arrangements, efficiency or deterioration. The problems of size and cost remain, but these are determined by the properties of the magnetic material, which are improving rapidly. If the magnet material becomes available at a satisfactory price, the work undertaken here will facilitate a commercially attractive magnet drive system. 4 figs. (ERA citation 13:046718)