Abstract

An engine (10) comprises a first positive displacement machine (A) having an inlet (13) and an outlet (14); a second positive displacement machine (B) having an inlet (23) and an outlet (26); duct means (16, 18) connected between the outlet of the first positive displacement machine and the inlet of the second positive displacement machine;heater means (18) for raising the temperature and pressure of a working fluid in the duct means; and a kinematic connection (28) between the first and second positive displacement machines (A, B). The arrangement is such that, in use, the first positive displacement machine causes the working fluid to flow through the duct means to the second positive displacement machine, the heated working fluid drives the second positive displacement machine, and the second positive displacement machine drives the first positive displacement machine via the kinematic connection. The first and second positive displacement machines each comprise at least one orbiting or rotating piston(15, 25), wherein the at least one piston in the first positive displacement machine is arranged to orbit or rotate out of phase with the at least one piston in the second positive displacement machine.

IPC Classes  ?

• F01C 13/04 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of engines with devices driven thereby for driving pumps or compressors
• F01C 19/02 - Radially-movable sealings for working fluids
• F01C 11/00 - Combinations of two or more machines or engines, each being of rotary-piston or oscillating-piston type
• F01C 1/46 - Rotary-piston machines or engines having the characteristics covered by two or more of groups , , , or having the characteristics covered by one of these groups together with some other type of movement between co-operating members having the movement defined in group or and having a hinged member with vanes hinged to the outer member