Energy transfer device

Abstract

An energy transfer device comprising a tube coiled in the form of an open helix and anchored permitting bending of the tube about the axis of the helix. The tube is bent by being oscillated about the axis of the helix alternately increasing and decreasing the diameter of the helix resulting in a progressive change in axial tube velocity. This effectively squeezes and releases the fluid in the conduit causing the fluid to flow. Unidirectional flow is obtained by locating two one-way flow control valves in the flow path at respective ones of first and second positions spaced apart from one another and having the oscillated portion of the tube located between such valves. The amount of energy transferred is increased substantially when the system is tuned and this is accomplished by having the tube of selected length between the two flow control valves co-related to the fluid wave propagated along the tube with the velocity of sound in the fluid relative to the fluid. The squeezing or pressure increase in the fluid is transmitted along the fluid column at sound velocity until it is reflected by a restriction. The pressure increase then moves back along the fluid column past its starting point until it is again reflected by another restriction and when the system is perfectly tuned the wave arrives back at the starting point exactly one revolution later to be squeezed again.