Microgen Engine Corporation Holding B.v.

Christopher John Spenceley

Wayne Kenneth Aldridge

David Anthony Clark

Heather Allderidge

Frank Ferdinandi

Jarlath McEntee

Adrian Robin Richardson

Stephen Charles Welty

Roger Stuart Silcock

Christopher Mark Hardingham

Nigel Graham Moore

Alan William McCarthy-Wyper

Gordon Smith

Jarlath Michael McEntee

This invention relates to domestic heat and power systems that allow efficient methods of operating a domestic combined heat and power (dchp) unit and to energy-efficient methods of scheduling domestic appliance operation within a household having a dchp unit. Dchp units provide heating and hot water for the home and also generate electricity for use in the home. A domestic heat and power system is provided that comprises a dchp unit, a dchp unit controller, a programmer module and an energy scheduler linked to allow communication therebetween, wherein the programmer module receives data input and generates a heating and/or hot water schedule therefrom, the dchp unit controller determines operating times of the dchp unit in accordance with the schedule and provides the operating times to the energy scheduler that then operates the domestic appliance during operating times.

Domestic heat and power system

A Stirling engine () includes a reciprocating piston which drives an alternator to provide an electrical output (). The current signal () is measured by a current monitor () and a fast Fourier Transform value is produced. The FFT of the current signal () has been found to be directly related to the stability of operation of the Stirling engine. As harmonic peaks in the FFT increase, this indicates that the stroke length of the piston is approaching or exceeding a safe maximum. Correction action, such as a reduction in heat to the Stirling engine, can be taken in consequence. A variety of stroke length detectors () are also disclosed, for use in combination with, or separately from, the FFT analysis of the current signal (). Optical and mechanical switches and analogue sensors are disclosed, along with an accelerometer mounted upon the casing of the Stirling engine.

Stirling engine instability detection and prevention

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Yattendon, United Kingdom

Christopher John Spenceley