초록 ▼

A solar thermal engine for propelling and powering a craft. The solar thermal engine includes a housing, a propellant annulus, a plurality of static power converters and an electrical energy storage device. The housing has an optical cavity for receiving a beam of concentrated sunlight and convertin

A solar thermal engine for propelling and powering a craft. The solar thermal engine includes a housing, a propellant annulus, a plurality of static power converters and an electrical energy storage device. The housing has an optical cavity for receiving a beam of concentrated sunlight and converting the beam into ambient thermal energy. The propellant annulus is coupled to the housing and is selectively operable in a heating mode wherein the propellant annulus transmits at least a first portion of the ambient thermal energy to heat a flow of propellant. The plurality of static power converters are coupled to the housing and receive the first portion of the ambient thermal energy when the propellant annulus is not operated in the heating mode. The plurality of static power converters employ the first portion of the ambient thermal energy to generate electrical energy. The electrical energy storage device is coupled to the plurality of static power converters and receives and stores the electrical energy generated by the plurality of static power converters. A method for propelling and powering a craft is also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A solar thermal engine for propelling and powering a craft, the solar thermal engine comprising:a housing having an optical cavity adapted for receiving a beam of concentrated sunlight and converting the beam into ambient thermal energy;a propellant annulus coupled to t

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A solar thermal engine for propelling and powering a craft, the solar thermal engine comprising:a housing having an optical cavity adapted for receiving a beam of concentrated sunlight and converting the beam into ambient thermal energy;a propellant annulus coupled to the housing and selectively operable in a heating mode wherein the propellant annulus transmits at least a first portion of the ambient thermal energy to heat a flow of propellant;a plurality of static power converters coupled to the housing, the static power converters receiving the first portion of the ambient thermal energy when the propellant annulus is not operated in the heating mode, the plurality of static power converters employing the first portion of the ambient thermal energy to generate electrical energy; andan electrical energy storage device coupled to the plurality of static power converters, the electrical energy storage device receiving and storing the electrical energy generated by the plurality of static power converters.