Stirling engine drive system - has pistons connected to swashplate with inclination adjustable by screw and mounted in oscillating cage

摘要

The Stirling Cycle engine has a cylindrical housing of thermally insulating material which forms a combustion chamber. The hot gases transfer their heat to the working fluid through heat exchangers. The working fluid, which may be hydrogen or helium, circulates between cylinders, regenerators and coolers. The reciprocating motion of pistons is transmitted to a swash plate which is mounted in an oscillating cage supported on trunnions in the end housing. The angle of inclination of the swashplate can be adjusted by screwed rods actuated by hydraulic motors in order to vary the speed of the output shaft.