The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 27, 2010
Filed:
Jul. 22, 2005
Christopher John Spenceley, Yattendon, GB;
Roger Stuart Silcock, Peterborough, GB;
Wayne Kenneth Aldridge, Granby, GB;
Jarlath Michael Mcentee, Castine, ME (US);
Stephen Charles Welty, Cambridge, GB;
Gordon Smith, Runcorn, GB;
Christopher Mark Hardingham, Danbury, GB;
Christopher John Spenceley, Yattendon, GB;
Roger Stuart Silcock, Peterborough, GB;
Wayne Kenneth Aldridge, Granby, GB;
Jarlath Michael McEntee, Castine, ME (US);
Stephen Charles Welty, Cambridge, GB;
Gordon Smith, Runcorn, GB;
Christopher Mark Hardingham, Danbury, GB;
Microgen Engine Corporation Holding B.V., ULFT, NL;
Abstract
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.