Method and system for electrical and mechanical power generation using stirling engine principles

摘要

A heat engine enclosed in a housing has two chambers maintained at different temperatures. The first chamber (“hot chamber”) receives heat energy from an external power source. The second chamber (“cold chamber”) is connected to the hot chamber by two conduits, such that a fluid (e.g., air, water, or any other gas or liquid) filling the two chambers can circulate between the two chambers. The expansion of the fluid in the hot chamber and the compression of the fluid in the cold chamber drive a turbine to provide a power output. The fluid may be pressurized to enhance efficiency. In one embodiment, the turbine propels an axle in a rotational motion to transmit the power output of the heat engine to an electrical generator outside of the heat engine's housing. In one embodiment, the turbine includes a first set of blades and a second set of blades located in the hot chamber and the cold chamber, respectively. The blades may each have a flat profile having two unequal surfaces, such that the turbine rotates in preferentially in one direction.