Exhaust system

摘要

An exhaust system configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy includes a source of thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between an exhaust gas having a first temperature and a heat sink having a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. The exhaust system also includes a conduit configured for conveying the exhaust gas, a heat engine disposed in thermal relationship with the conduit and configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy, and a member disposed in contact with the conduit and configured for conducting thermal energy from the conduit to the heat engine. The heat engine includes a first element formed from a first shape memory alloy having a crystallographic phase changeable between austenite and martensite at a first transformation temperature in response to the temperature difference between the exhaust gas and the heat sink.

主权项

1. An exhaust system configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy, the exhaust system comprising:
a source of thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between an exhaust gas having a first temperature and a heat sink having a second temperature that is lower than said first temperature; a conduit configured for conveying said exhaust gas; a heat engine disposed in thermal relationship with said conduit and configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy, wherein said heat engine includes a first element formed from a first shape memory alloy having a crystallographic phase changeable between austenite and martensite at a first transformation temperature in response to said temperature difference between said exhaust gas and said heat sink; and a member formed from a conductive material and disposed in contact with said conduit so that said member abuts said conduit and transfers thermal energy from said conduit to said first element via conduction; wherein said member includes a plurality of bristles each extending from and flexible with respect to said member and disposed in contact with said first element.