Stirling engine systems, apparatus and methods

摘要

Systems, methods, and apparatus relating to the use of Stirling engine technology to convert heat, such as from solar radiation, to mechanical work or electricity. Apparatus, systems, components, and methods relating to energy converting apparatus are described herein. In one aspect, the invention relates to the field alignment of panels and the assembly of a concentrator. In another aspect, a passive balancer is used in combination with a ring frame and other moving masses to reduce engine forces and vibration on the structure of the energy converting apparatus while maintaining properly constrained alignment of various suspended masses. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to various over-insolation control and management strategy to prevent overheating of the energy converting apparatus or components and subsystems thereof.

主权项

1. A method for reducing over-insolation of a heat exchanger, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a heat exchanger having a surface area for absorbing solar radiation; concentrating solar radiation on the surface area of the heat exchanger such that the concentrated solar radiation impinges on a portion of the entire surface area of the heat exchanger; and moving the concentrated solar radiation about the surface area of the heat exchanger in a substantially circular pattern at about 1 to about 30 revolutions per minute.