EP1016781B1 - Caloric machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The heat engine has two working pistons (7,16) in a cylinder with a heating chamber (20) a cooling chamber (21) for a fluid medium. The medium flow into and out of the chambers is controlled by valves. A linear power transmission block (4) is connected to the pistons and moves between a guide rod (41) and casing (40).

Description

The present invention relates to a caloric machine, operated with a working medium in two work cycles becomes. In addition, the invention relates to a motor unit for Providing mechanical energy.

As caloric machines are heat engines in the broadest sense understood, taking advantage of the thermodynamic laws heat energy into mechanical Energy is converted. This is a working medium Heat energy supplied, which is the volume expansion of the Working medium causes, which for the performance of mechanical Work can be used. In a following Power stroke is removed from the working medium heat energy, whereby a volume reduction occurs. At caloric Machines run these two work cycles in a circular process off, so that the machine continuously mechanical energy can provide.

Well-known heat engines, in many variants developed as engines, are the Stirling engines, where the first used by Robert Stirling Working method is used. Stirling machines are usually constructed without control valves. If for regulation the working process control valves are used One often speaks of Ericsson machines. The present Invention can be used in the broadest sense as an Ericsson machine be used, but uses a novel constructive structure, which leads to special advantages.

The caloric principle becomes practically relevant so far mostly realized in refrigerators.

An overview of the working principles of heat engines in general and Stirling machines in particular, as well as the most diverse embodiments of such Machinery is the book "Stirling Machines" by Martin Werdich, Ökobuch Verlag Staufen at Freiburg, 1994 (ISBN 3-922964-35-4) removable. The functional ones shown therein Embodiments of Stirling engines have so far only been isolated, for example in the context of model tests used. A standard industrial application of such Machinery for providing mechanical energy is up Today, the many constructional difficulties the realization of the known principle failed. Although is recognized for a long time that in caloric machines used working principles for energy conversion with good Efficiencies are usable and opposite the far widespread internal combustion engines manifold advantages Offer. Nevertheless, technical implementation difficulties so far a successful use of caloric Machines in the field of providing mechanical energy prevented. Frequently, the use of such machines failed on a case by case complicated structures that a trouble-free To prevent long-term operation.

From DE 38 34 070 is one after the Stirling principle working heat engine known, the two pairs of cylinders each having a cold and a hot cylinder. Each pair of cylinders is a separate circuit for the Assigned working medium, so that two coolers, two regenerators and two heaters are needed. This requires one expensive and trouble-prone construction.

An object of the present invention is therefore to to take up the well-known principle of caloric machines and to provide a technical realization that has the disadvantages previous similar machines avoided or strong reduced. It's supposed to be a caloric machine available be made using the simplest mechanical Components can continuously release mechanical energy. In addition, it is particularly desirable to this machine so design that linear forces can be delivered. After all It is an object of the present invention to provide a motor unit taking advantage of a corresponding caloric Specify machine.

These objects are achieved by the invention caloric Machine solved with a working medium in two work cycles is operated and a first working piston, in a first working cylinder runs and a first push rod coupled to a linear power transfer block, in the direction of movement of the first working piston is displaceable; a first charging piston, which in one first load cylinder runs and over a parallel to the first Push rod arranged second push rod to the linear power transfer block is coupled; a second working piston, in a second cylinder in the first Working piston opposite working direction runs and via a third push rod to the linear power transfer block is coupled; a second charging piston, which in one second loading cylinder in opposite to the first charging piston Working direction runs and over a parallel to the third Push rod arranged fourth push rod to the linear power transfer block is coupled; a heating cavity, in which heat is supplied to the working medium; and a cooling cavity in which heat is extracted from the working medium is included; wherein during the first working cycle the heated working fluid from the heating cavity over a first working valve in the first working cylinder and off the second working cylinder via a second working valve in the cooling cavity flows while the cooled working fluid from the cooling cavity via a first charging valve in the first Loading cylinder and from the second loading cylinder via a second Charging valve flows into the heating cavity; and where during the second working cycle, the warm working medium the heating cavity via a third working valve in the second working cylinder and from the first working cylinder via a fourth working valve flows into the cooling cavity, while the cold working fluid from the cooling cavity over a third charging valve in the second loading cylinder and out of the first loading cylinder via a fourth charging valve in the heating cavity flows; and wherein during the first engine cycle the third and fourth working valve and the third and fourth charging valve are closed and during the second Motor cycle the first and second working valve and the first and second charging valve are closed.

This caloric machine has the advantage that the Working and loading pistons are arranged so that they linear forces deliver directly to a linear power transfer block can, without further transmission elements are required. In this way, lateral forces are avoided. With that you can also in conventional constructions mostly high friction losses be significantly reduced. By the symmetrical Linkage of two power pistons and two loading pistons can from the machine according to the invention in both work cycles mechanical energy are released, so that each provided amount of energy relatively evenly over the Time is distributed. To overcome the remaining Dead centers only a small amount of energy is required whereby, for example, flywheels to be used small can be kept. The structure of the invention provides also the advantage that the machine is self-starting, whereby conventional starter aids can be saved.

In a modified embodiment of the invention caloric machine is governed by the strictly linear principle deviated and come in place of the push rods connecting rods to use the working and loading pistons over pins connect with a crankshaft. The two piston pairs In this case, 180 ° out of phase engage the crankshaft.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention calorific engine possess the warming cavity and the Cooling cavity each having a constant volume, the Volume of the two cavities can also be identical.

A modified embodiment is characterized by that the linear power transfer block on a guide columns slidably mounted frame, which is on a first Side to the first piston and the first charging piston and on a second, the first opposite side coupled to the second piston and the second charging piston is. This embodiment allows a special simple mechanical construction, in which the first working piston and the first charging piston on the one hand and the second Working piston and the second charging piston on the other hand parallel are arranged to each other, wherein in each case the working piston and the loading pistons are moved in opposite directions to each other and introduce the forces linearly into the linear force transfer block or received from this.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, all Valves are mechanically actuated by the linear force transfer block. This allows complex electrical or electronic Control mechanisms are eliminated. This leads to a very robust and reliable construction of the caloric machine. at modified embodiments, however, the valves also be controlled by electrical signals and For example, be designed as solenoid valves or as be formed hydraulic valves. This is for example then expedient if a high precision in terms of Switching times of the valves and a high switching speed are desired.

A further developed embodiment is by a linear force transfer block with a rack attached to it characterized in that two counter-rotating freewheel gear engage the rack and the alternating Linear motion over a coordinate gear in one implement constant rotational movement. This embodiment can be used to advantage if the available Asked linear force can be converted into a rotational movement should, as desirable for example in motor vehicles is.

In a modified embodiment, instead of the Rack an elongated electrical excitation winding on Linear power unit coupled to which electrical Coils are positioned. This is the deployment of electrical energy possible.

Unless the pistons are connecting rods to a crankshaft coupled, the gearbox can be used to convert the Linear motion in a rotary motion accounts.

An advantageous embodiment is characterized by that the heating cavity designed as a solar collector is. The heat is then directly by sunlight. In development of this embodiment, the Pressure and volume conditions in the caloric machine be chosen according to the laws of thermodynamics so that in the cooling cavity an expansion of the working medium takes place, which has a cooling to follow. The provided thereby "Cooling source" can be used for cooling or air conditioning the environment are used.

The o.g. Tasks are also solved by a motor unit, in which at least two caloric machines of the invention Art are interconnected, preferably four caloric machines each 90 ° out of phase be interconnected. By such an arrangement several inventive caloric machines can be increase the overall performance and the running characteristics of a appropriate motor unit improve. Because the individual Machines out of phase result in a more even Distribution of the provided mechanical energy, since the dead centers are also out of phase by 90 °.

Fig. 1

ein Prinzipschaltbild einer kalorischen Maschine, dargestellt während eines ersten Arbeitstaktes;

Fig. 2

das Prinzipschaltbild der kalorischen Maschine, dargestellt während eines zweiten Arbeitstaktes;

Fig. 3

eine vereinfachte Darstellung eines Zahnstangengetriebes der kalorischen Maschine.

Further advantages, details and developments will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic diagram of a caloric machine, shown during a first power stroke;

Fig. 2

the schematic diagram of the caloric machine, shown during a second power stroke;

Fig. 3

a simplified representation of a rack gear of the caloric machine.

In Fig. 1 is a caloric machine according to the invention in illustrated a block diagram, wherein the machine in this representation is located in a first work cycle. The caloric machine has a first working piston 1, which runs in a first working cylinder 2. At first Working piston 1, a first push rod 3 is attached, the essentially in a straight line up to a central one arranged linear power transfer block 4 extends and on a first side 5 of this linear power transfer block 4th is attached. Furthermore, a first charging piston 7 is provided, which runs in a first loading cylinder 8 and a second push rod 9 also to the first side 5 of the linear power transmission block 4 is coupled. The second push rod 9 is substantially parallel to the first push rod 3. The working volume of the first working cylinder 2 is designed to be significantly larger than the working volume of the first loading cylinder 8.

On the opposite side of the linear force transfer block 4, a second piston 11 is provided which again runs in a second cylinder 12 and over a third push rod 13 to the linear power transfer block 4 is coupled. The third push rod 13 is at a attached to the second side 14 of the linear force transfer block 4, wherein the second side 14 of the first page 5 in essentially parallel to each other. Complementary to the first Charging piston 7 is further provided a second charging piston 16, which works in a second loading cylinder 17 and over a fourth push rod 18 also with the second side 14th of the linear power transmission block 4 is in communication. The Working volume of the second working cylinder 12 corresponds to essentially the working volume of the first working cylinder 2, while the working volume of the second loading cylinder 17 in essentially the working volume of the first loading cylinder. 8 corresponds to and smaller than the working volume of the working cylinder is.

Moreover, the caloric machine has a heating cavity 20 and a cooling cavity 21, preferably a have invariable volume, in particular the heating cavity 20 and the cooling cavity 21 is a nearly identical Have volume. Both in the heating cavity 20 as also in the cooling cavity 21 and beyond in the cylinders and the connecting lines running between them is a working medium whose flow direction indicated by individual arrows. As a working medium preferably substances with relatively low boiling point, such as water, alcohol, ether or helium for use, wherein the special substance considering the respective one Purpose and the operating temperatures used is. The working fluid is continuously in the heating cavity Heat supplied. This is an external heat source used. For heating, for example, heating fuels be incinerated or used in the respective application Available waste heat serve as a heat source. It can also be particularly advantageous, the heating cavity as Sun collector to design or suitable other Make the heat energy provided by solar radiation supply. The formation of the heating cavity as Solar collector has proven to be particularly easy and useful proved, on the one hand the working medium in a simple Guide way through the solar panels and on the other hand the exploited solar energy available for free stands.

To realize the principle of the heat engine, is deprived of heat the working fluid in the cooling cavity, so that the Temperature of the working fluid leaving the cooling cavity less than when entering these.

Below is the first working cycle of the caloric Machine described in detail. During the first work cycle flows over a first hot medium line 25 and a opened first working valve 26, the heated working fluid in the first working cylinder 2, whereby the first Working piston 1 is driven out and about the first Push rod 3 a linear acting force on the linear power transfer block 4 exercises. The linear force transfer block 4 performs a straight line movement from left to right, as indicated by the arrow is. By coupling via the second push rod 9 is Also, the first charging piston 7 from the first loading cylinder. 8 moved out, so that cold working medium over an open first charging valve 27 and a first charging line 28 in the first charging cylinder 8 can flow. The available standing force is dependent on the amount of heat supplied, because this is about the expansion of the working fluid in the heating cavity and thus about the volume amount in the first Working cylinder 2 is pressed, decides.

The provided by the first piston 1 force is the linear power transfer block 4 also to the third push rod 13 and the fourth push rod 18 transmitted. As a result, the located in the second loading cylinder 17 cooled working fluid expelled from the second charging piston 16 and flows via a first return line 29 and a opened second loading valve 30 back into the heating cavity 20, in which it is reheated and a volume expansion experiences. It will also be relatively warm Working medium, which is in the second working cylinder 12th is expelled by the second piston 11, so that it has a second return line 31 and an open second working valve 32 flows back into the cooling cavity 21. The relatively warm working fluid is in the cooling cavity 21st Heat deprived.

During the first work cycle just described a between the heating cavity 20 and the second Working cylinder 12 lying third working valve 33, a between the second loading cylinder 17 and the cooling cavity 21 switched third charging valve 34, one between the cooling cavity 21 and the first loading cylinder 2 switched fourth Working valve 35 and between the first loading cylinder 8 and the heating cavity 20 switched fourth charging valve 36 in closed condition. This valve control causes of each two lines connected to each cylinder are connected, only one line is open, whereby defined flow conditions exist. The Control of said valves takes place in the illustrated Embodiment in a mechanical manner via control rods, the communicate with the linear power transfer block 4.

The linear force transfer block 4 is provided with guide sleeves 40 mounted on guide columns 41, so that a low-friction linear movement can be performed.

Referring to Fig. 2, the flow conditions in the caloric machine during the second Work cycle explained. The position of each piston in The cylinders shown in Fig. 2 correspond to those shown in Figs from Fig. 1, but during an opposite movement, which in turn is indicated by an arrow in the area of the linear force transfer block is shown. During this The movement shown from right to left flows hot Working medium from the heating cavity 20 via a second Hot medium line 45 through the now open third Working valve 33 in the second working cylinder 12. The in the second working cylinder 12 under pressure inflowing Working medium causes a displacement of the second working piston 11, this movement over the third push rod 13 on the second side 14 of the linear force transfer block 4 is headed. On the opposite side of the linear force transfer block the pistons are in the cylinder pushed in, so that the first charging piston 7, the medium the first load cylinder 8 pushes out, this over a third return line 46 through the opened fourth Charging valve 36 flows into the heating cavity 20, in which it is heated again. Furthermore, from the Cooling cavity 21 cold working fluid via a second charging line 47 through the opened third loading valve 34 in the sucked second loading cylinder 17, since the second charging piston 16 moved out of this. In contrast, that will Working fluid from the first working piston 1 from the first Squeezed out cylinder 2, where it has a fourth Return line 48 through the open fourth working valve 35 flows into the cooling cavity 21, in which it withdrawn heat becomes. During the second working cycle are the first Working valve 26, the second working valve 32, the first Charging valve 27 and the fourth charging valve 36 closed.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 causes the linear power transfer block 4 each substantially at the reversal points of the linear movement switching said control valves, so that to maintain the force required by the movement alternately from first working piston and provided by the second working piston becomes. Due to the strictly linear force guide no crankshafts and connecting rods in this embodiment needed, as in conventional internal combustion engines the case is. The material stresses are therefore lower, which in connection with the relatively low working speeds to a long life of the machine and leads to a remarkable smooth running. Modified embodiments But the invention can also the crankshaft principle use.

For example, to provide the mechanical energy provided To use drive purposes is in the illustrated embodiment on the linear power transfer block 4, a rack 50 mounted, in which a gear 51 engages. Due to the described two-stroke operation of the caloric machine results in an alternating linear motion the rack 50, in a rotational movement of the gear 51 results in changing sense of direction.

Fig. 3 shows a simplified schematic representation of a Possibility of this rotational movement with changing sense of direction to convert into a rotary motion with constant sense of direction. The rack 50 is in this case with a first freewheel gear 52 and a second freewheel gear 53 engaged, in turn, each in a central gear 54 intervene. The freewheel gear 52, 53 are arranged so that depending on the direction of movement of the rack 50 always only one freewheel gear a power transmission to the central gear 54 performs, so that this in a rotary motion is offset with the same sense of direction. At the central gear 54 can then attached to an output shaft be.

The caloric machine according to the invention can also be used with any other types of transmissions are equipped. It is the same possible, the control of valves not on mechanical but in electrical, hydraulic or other ways make. The illustrated caloric machine can as compact unit be built so that the interconnection several such units without difficulty possible is. In this way, for example, motors build, which combine several of these units in itself.

It is also possible, the linear force guide by a Crankshaft principle to replace, with all pistons over connecting rods be coupled to a common crankshaft.

Claims (9)

1. A thermal machine that is operated with a working medium in two working cycles, including

   a first working piston (1), which moves in a first working cylinder (2) and is coupled with a linear force transfer block (4) via a first driving rod (3), which block is slidable in the direction of motion of the first working piston;

   a first charging piston (7), which moves in a first charging cylinder (8) and is coupled with the linear force transfer block (4) via a second driving rod (9), which is arranged parallel to the first driving rod (3);

   a second working piston (11), which moves in a second working cylinder (12) in the opposite direction to the first working piston (1) and is coupled with the linear force transfer block (4) via a third driving rod (13);

   a second charging piston (16), which moves in a second charging cylinder (17) in the opposite direction to the first charging piston (7) and is coupled with the linear force transfer block (4) via a fourth driving rod (18), which is arranged parallel to the third driving rod (13) ;

   a heating space (20) in which heat is applied to the working medium; and

   a cooling space (21), in which heat is drawn off from the working medium;

   wherein in the first working cycle the heated working medium passes from the heating space (20) through a first working valve (26) into the first working cylinder (2) and out of the second working cylinder (12) through a second working valve (32) into the cooling space (21), while the cooled working medium passes from the cooling space (21) through a first charging valve (28) into the first charging cylinder (8) and out of the second charging cylinder (17) through a second charging valve (30) into the heating space (20); and wherein in the second working cycle the heated working medium passes from the heating space (20) through a third working valve (33) into the second working cylinder (12) and out of the first working cylinder (2) through a fourth working valve (35) into the cooling space (21), while the cooled working medium passes from the cooling space (21) through a third charging valve (34) into the second charging cylinder (17) and out of the first charging cylinder (8) through a fourth charging valve (36) into the heating space (20); and wherein during the first working cycle the third and fourth working valves (33, 35) and the third and fourth charging valves (34, 36) are closed and during the second working cycle the first and second working valves (26, 32) and the first and second charging valves (27, 30) are closed.
2. The thermal machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the heating space (20) and the cooling space (21) each have a constant volume.
3. The thermal machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the linear force transfer block (4) is a rack that is slidably supported by guide columns (41) and guide sleeves (40), and which is coupled with the first working piston (1) and the first charging piston (7) on a first side (5), and with the second working piston (11) and the second charging piston (16) on a second side (14) opposite to the first.
4. The thermal machine according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that all valves (26, 27, 30, 32-36) are actuated mechanically by the linear force transfer block (4).
5. The thermal machine according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a toothed rack (50) is arranged on the linear force transfer block (4), in which two reciprocally operating free-wheel gearing mechanisms (52, 53) engage, and which in turn engage with a gear wheel (54), so that the alternating linear motion is converted to a continuous rotating motion.
6. The thermal machine according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that an extended electrical exciter winding is arranged on the linear force transfer block, and which is moved linearly inside surrounding electrical coils, so that an electrical voltage is induced in these coils.
7. The thermal machine according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the heating space (20) is configured as a solar collector.
8. A motor unit for supplying mechanical energy, characterised in that at least two thermal machines according to any of claims 1 to 7 are connected together.
9. The motor unit according to claim 8, characterised in that four thermal machines, each working with a phase offset of 90° are connected together.

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