Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Lehmann, Gregory A..
New common heat-transfer head for two cylinders of opposed-cylinder Stirling-cycle machine performs function formerly performed by two heat acceptors-one for each cycle. Simplifies structure of machine and increases efficiency of operation by reducing resistance to flow of working gas and/or increasing transfer of heat to or from working gas during flow between compression and expansion spaces of machine.
A common heat acceptor is provided between opposed displacers in a Stirling cycle machine. It includes two sets of open channels in separate fluid communications with the expansion spaces of the receptive cyclinders. The channels confine movement of working fluid in separate paths that extend between the expansion space of one cylinder and the compression space of the other. The method for operating the machine involves alternatively directing working fluid from the expansion space of each cylinder in a fluid path leading to the compression space of the other cylinder and from the compression space of each cylinder in a fluid path leading to the expansion space of the other cylinder.