Direct acting external combustion heat engine - evaporates and condenses fluid in working cylinder in direct contact with heat source

摘要

A vertical cylinder (1a) terminates in a working chamber (1b) which is closed by a flexible membrane (2). The membrane moves one end of a lever (3). The useful output is taken from the other end (5) of the lever. The vertical cylinder (1a) is jacketed by the flue (7) of a burner (6) or can be directly heated by a solar energy collector. It contains a fluid which the heat evaporates. This deflects the membrane and moves the lever. At the end of the stroke the lever opens a valve (12) which injects cold liquid (8) into the cylinder. This condenses the vapour and allows the membrane to drop. Excess liquid is removed by a float operated valve (9) in the bottom of the cylinder.