Gas spring coupling
Power coupling linear Stirling Cycle machines.
This Oxford technology permits the development of the next generation of high efficiency closed-cycle (Stirling) linear machinery.
The machinery can be used in nuclear powered engine generators for deep space probes, space satellite cryocoolers and earth-based instrument coolers, and a new range of deployable engine generators. When used for electrical power generation, the invention transfers mechanical power from the expansion processes to the compression processes, by means of an efficient fluidic coupling between adjacent Stirling engine units.
This allows multiple linear Stirling engine generator units to form a compact power pack.
Close coupling with this novel gas spring coupling minimises overall weight and permits better form factors to fit confined installations and improve power densities. Compact power packs, when integrated within renewable biofuel units, make rapid deployment of stand alone electrical power in the 1-3-10-30-50-100kWe range possible, generating power from local waste at remote off-grid locations.
For cryocoolers, the close coupling may permit higher performing cryocooler arrangements to enable a more efficient use of satellite weight and volume capacities. For earth-based cooled detectors, the coupling allows lighter instrument designs for the same cooling power. Applications for infrared sensing and astronomical applications typically require cooling at temperatures of ~ 80 K (the temperature of liquid nitrogen).
The possibilities
When combined with complementary inventions from the Oxford Stirling Cryogenics Group, ‘spring bearing system’ (Oxford University Innovation project 3887), and ‘pressure containment system’, (Oxford University Innovation project 9187), the result is maintenance free linear machinery for applications with capacities and performance/cost benefits not currently achievable.
The technology heritage
This novel development builds on the Oxford Stirling Cryogenics Group’s research and development with major industry partners over the last 25 years, culminating in their Oxford Heritage linear machines being widely deployed in space and advanced instrument coolers.
Gas spring coupling.
Readiness for market
A PCT Patent application has been filed with 38 claims.
Application engineering expertise is available to support the exploitation of the invention and to productise the technology with the chosen industrial partner in this application domain. The technology readiness level is rated at TRL 2.
about this technology
