Study of 4-cylinder, double-acting and hermetically sealed stirling engine

An in-depth study has been made Of a 4-cylinder, double-acting, hermatically sealed and in-line Stirling engine the results of which are presented in the form of drawings, calculated performance, and size and weight estimates. A new power control system is introduced featuring mean pressure control with rapid deloading of the engine by utilizing the crankcase kept at low pres sure by means of helium compressors at the end of each piston rod, in order to lower rapidly the mean pressure of the engine. Versions are planned for Stirling-electric genera tor sets with internal alternators as well as in ternal linear alternators. An external shaft can be provided by means of a magnetic coupling. First applications will be ccmbined heat and power generation. Later developments are high power den sity versions for hybrid electric vehicles.