초록 ▼

A reciprocating micro heat engine for electrical and mechanical power generation is disclosed The micro heat engine uses a reciprocating free piston that is driven by a periodic combustion process, and is implemented using micromachining technology. In the application of electrical power generation,

A reciprocating micro heat engine for electrical and mechanical power generation is disclosed The micro heat engine uses a reciprocating free piston that is driven by a periodic combustion process, and is implemented using micromachining technology. In the application of electrical power generation, the mechanical and electrical functionality of the engine are highly integrated; i.e., the same piston performs both the fuel-to mechanical energy conversion as well as the mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Now, therefore, the following is claimed:] [1.] A miniature reciprocating combustion-driven machine fabricated by micromachining, comprising:a first combustion chamber;a second combustion chamber, said second combustion chamber being substantially axially aligned with said first combustion chamber

[ Now, therefore, the following is claimed:] [1.] A miniature reciprocating combustion-driven machine fabricated by micromachining, comprising:a first combustion chamber;a second combustion chamber, said second combustion chamber being substantially axially aligned with said first combustion chamber;a first means coupled to said first combustion chamber for introducing fuel and air into said first combustion chamber to form a combustible mixture therein;a second means coupled to said second combustion chamber for introducing fuel and air into said second combustion chamber to form a combustible mixture therein;a first controllable ignition means coupled to said first combustion chamber for igniting the combustible mixture in said first combustion chamber;a second controllable ignition means coupled to said second combustion chamber for igniting the combustible mixture in said second combustion chamber; anda piston disposed in a surrounding channel between said first combustion chamber and said second combustion chamber, said piston being free to move back and forth in the channel substantially along the axis between said first combustion chamber and said second combustion chamber.