Microgen Engine Corporation Holding B.v.

Gordon Smith

Wayne Kenneth Aldridge

Jarlath McEntee

Christopher John Spenceley

Stephen Charles Welty

Roger Stuart Silcock

Christopher Mark Hardingham

Jarlath Michael McEntee

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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Runcorn, United Kingdom

Gordon Smith