Shape memory alloy heat engine for use in e.g. power production system of motor car, has shape memory alloy element altering crystallographic phase between martensite and austenite, and performing contraction and expansion of phase

摘要

The engine (14) has a steering rope arranged around a portion of two rotatable pulleys (38, 40) under different radial distances. A shape memory alloy (SMA) element i.e. spring, is in thermal communication with a hot zone (18) at a specific temperature and with a cold zone (20) at another temperature. The SMA element selectively alters a crystallographic phase between martensite and austenite, and performs contraction and expansion of the crystallographic phase based on the temperatures. The thermal energy gradient is converted into mechanical energy between the hot zone and the cold zone.