Stirling engine having platelet heat exchanging elements

Abstract

The present invention provides heat exchanging elements for use in Stirling engines. According to the present invention, the heat exchanging elements are made from muliple platelets that are stacked and joined together. The use of platelets to make heat exchanging elements permits Stirling engines to run more effiecient because the heat transfer and combustion processes are improved. In one embodiment, multi-stage combustion can be introduced with platlets, along with the flexibility to use different types of fuels. In another embodiment, a single component constructed from platelets can provide the heat transfer rquirements betweeen the combustion gas/working gas, working gas in the regenerator and the working gas/coolant fluid of a Stirling engine. In another embodiment, the platelet heat exchanging element can recieve solar energy to heat the Stirling engine's working gas. Also, this invention provides a heat exchanging method that allows for multiple fuilds to flow in opposing or same direction.

1 . (canceled)  
   
   
       2 - A multiple cylinder Stirling engine, comprising, in combination: 
 a plurality of individual closed-loop hot ends, each distinct from the other, wherein a single said individual closed-loop hot end is associated with a single cylinder of said multiple cylinder Stirling engine, and wherein each said individual closed-loop hot end includes a plurality of heat sources.    
   
   
       3 - The multiple cylinder Stirling engine of  claim 2  wherein each said individual closed-loop hot end further includes a heat transfer system.  
   
   
       4 - The multiple cylinder Stirling engine of  claim 2  wherein each of said plurality of individual closed-loop hot ends is a platelet hot end.