Apparatus for converting thermal energy into electricity for use in motor vehicle, has piston which moves up and down in response to phase transition of working fluid filled in partial volumes of housing

摘要

A housing (10) has partial volumes (28,30) filled with working fluid (12). A heat source (14) heats the fluid, while a heat sink (16) receives thermal energy from the fluid. A piston (18) is moved up and down due to the phase transition of the fluid as well as cooling and warming of the fluid. The kinetic energy from the piston movement propels an electricity generator (26) to produce electricity. An independent claim is also included for a method for converting thermal energy into electricity.