GB2451660A - Heat to kinetic energy converter - Google Patents

Abstract

A heat to kinetic energy converter comprises a vessel including two chambers 'A' and 'B', where each chamber contains a gas and a liquid moveable from one chamber to the other, such that thermal expansion of the gas in a first chamber causes liquid to be moved to a second chamber, the resulting liquid mass imbalance causing the vessel to turn about an axis. The converter may use solar heat, or any other source of heat. In use, liquid is uplifted by the gas expanding in the first chamber which forces the liquid into the second elevated chamber, where the imbalance caused by the weight of the liquid on the rotary structure induces rotary movement. The vessel may be made from a transparent material to allow heat to penetrate the structure. Preferably, the gas comprises a mixture of air and gas 'AG' and the liquid is water. The rotary movement of the converter may be transmitted to an axel to drive an electrical generator or other equipment or machinery.

Description

Page 1. 2451660

DESCRIPTION

HECON' Heat to Energy Converter The object of this invention is to convert heat emitted by the sun or any other source of heat into energy.

A preferred example is illustrated in the attached drawings.

Figure number 1 -side view, phase 1. shows the heat to energy converter (HECON) in its stationary position prior to heat being applied. It is made from transparent material allowing heat to penetrate.

In the upper part of chamber A' there is a mixture of air and gas (AG), this is predetermined pressure of approximately 10 p.s.i.

In the lower part of chamber A' there is liquid. This is normally water, which fills approximately 90% of this lower chamber. The remaining 10% is composed of AG.

There is a tube connecting the upper part of chamber A' with the lower part.

The AG pressure in the lower chamber is equal to the (AG) pressure in the upper chamber of approximately 10 p.s.i. The bottom of this tube is open at one side.

There is also a central tube marked C' which connects chamber A' to chamber B'. This tube is open at the top in chamber B' on one side only; it is also open at the bottom of chamber A'.

In Figure no.2 side view ohase 2, heat is being applied from the sun causing (AG) to expand down tube A' into the liquid in the lower part.

When (AG) enters at the bottom of the chamber it rises through the liquid to form a pocket at approximately 15 p.s.i. This in turn forces the liquid up the central tube and into chamber B'.

The weight of liquid is now equal in both chamber A' and B' consequently HECON' moves to a vertical position around its axis marked in red.

Figure 3 Phase 3. shows heat increasing -causing (AG) to expand further.

This in turn causes the remaining liquid from chamber A' up into chamber B'.

The weight of this liquid causes the HECON' unit to rotate in a clockwise direction.

Page 2 Figure 4 Phase 4. shows the HECON' unit has rotated into a position where chambers A' and B' are in a horizontal plane. The liquid is entirely in chamber B' and exerting maximum downwards movement.

Figure 5 Phase 5 shows rotation continuing. The pressure in chamber A' drops to approximately 10 p.s.i, caused by (AG) cooling and contracting as it moves away from the heat source.

Chamber B' is now being exposed to heat causing p.s.i to rise to 15 in the upper part. The lower part contains all the liquid. This phase is an exact juxtaposition of phase I except the p.s.i is slightly higher due to pre-warming.

Figure 6 Phase 6 is an exact juxtaposition of phase 2 showing chambers A' and B' has changed sides. The pressure in the upper part of chamber B' increases as it is directly exposed to the heat source. This forces the liquid up the central tube back into chamber A' repeating the cycle.

The speed of rotation can be controlled -by adjusting the (AG) pressure in relation to the quantity of liquid. In situations where a low heat source is used then increased p.s.i is normally required.

The mixture of air to gas ratio is a further factor to control speed of rotation in relation to the heat source available.

The transparent material used in manufacturing the outer convex surface can be of any desirable thickness. It can also be convoluted or polansed to attract maximum heat and direct it to stimulate (AG) expansion.

The upper and lower part of each chamber can be varied in size. Larger or smaller proportions of liquid and (AG) can be incorporated by controIliig the factors listed. Optimum performance can be obtained depending on direction and intensity of the heat source available.

Abbreviations used AG = Air/Gas mixture at approximate PSI pressures HECON = Heat to Energy converter VER = Vertical

Statement of Invention

HECON' is a system utilising heat from any source (normally the sun) and converting it into energy. This is accomplished by the expansion and contraction of gas, air or similar substances activating liquid to move upwards.

Page 3

ADVANTAGES

1. HECON' is a virtually maintenance free system of converting heat emitted by the sun or any other source of heat into a rotary movement.

In comparison with other systems it is simpler to operate and simpler to manufacture.

The only movement is the rotation of the HECON' sealed unit around its central axis, this axle can be used to transmit the movement to an electrical generator. It can also be used as a direct drive to motivate other equipment or machinery.

2. As each phase of HECON' is controlled by (AG) expansion and gravitation no moving parts are needed consequently, no wear takes place. The HECON' system can be fitted with pressure gauges if required. These are not necessary on the basic model.

3 Convex Exterior maximises the available heat source.

A. In the northern hemisphere HECON' would be positioned facing south.

Its eye shaped convex exterior attracts sunlight from very oblique angles.

Claims (4)

1. Page4.

   I. No valves employed to control (AG) pressure or liquid retention.

   A. The Liquid level provides a simple method of ensuring the (AG) is contained in the appropriate position in either chamber. The liquid level conduits the (AG) to rise to the top of the lower chamber and also forms a seal at the bottom of the chamber to prevent (AG) from transferring to low pressure chamber'
2. 2. No moving oarts inside the HECON'.

   A. The central tube marked C' in conjunction with smaller tubes marked A' And B' conduct the appropriate quantities of (AG) and liquid within the HECON' unit. They do not move and are virtually maintenance free.
3. 3. Can be manufactured in any size to suit operating environment A. Providing the structure and layout of the accompanying drawings are Approximately utilised HECON' can be manufactured in any size.
4. 4. Performance adaptable to operating conditions.

   A. (AG) pressure and liquid quantities can be controlled to operate a maximum performance, according to operating conditions.

   S. Convex exterior maximises the available heat source.

   A. In the northern hemisphere HECON' would be positioned facing south. Its eye shaped convex exterior attracts sunlight from very oblique angles.