System and method for electrically-coupled thermal cycle

Abstract

In one embodiment according to the invention, there is provided a method for generating electrical energy using a thermal cycle of a working gas. The method comprises using the motion of a piston in a cylinder, containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle, to electromagnetically induce current in an electrical circuit coupled to the cylinder; using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy, produced by the current induced in the electrical circuit, in an electrical storage device; and using the electrical energy stored in the electrical storage device to electromagnetically provide a motive force to the piston. Cyclically using the electrical circuit to store the electrical energy and using the stored energy to provide a motive force to the piston effect a net positive average power transfer into the electrical storage device over the course of the thermal cycle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for performing a thermal cycle of a working gas, the device comprising:
 at least one piston movably mounted in a cylinder to form a working chamber between the at least one piston and the cylinder, the working chamber containing the working gas performing the thermal cycle;   an electrical circuit mounted stationary relative to the cylinder, the electrical circuit being electromagnetically coupled to provide a motive force to the at least one piston;   an electronic power converter electrically connected to the electrical circuit and to an electrical bus;   an electrical storage device electrically connected to the electrical bus;   the at least one piston being movably mounted such that its motion electromagnetically induces current in the electrical circuit; and   the electronic power converter being configured to perform closed-loop electronic control of the motion of the at least one piston. 2.