Abstract

A steam engine comprising a chamber having a first inlet valve (200, 312) and a second outlet valve (200, 314); a reciprocating piston moveable within the chamber; wherein at least one of the first inlet and second outlet valve is coupled to a computer controlled mechanism (704) operable to open and close the valve. A double beat valve for use with the stem engine of the invention and a method of optimising steam supply to the engine chamber are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• F01B 25/10 - Arrangements or adaptations of working-fluid admission or discharge valves
• F01B 29/12 - Steam engines
• F01L 3/20 - Shapes or constructions of valve members, not provided for in preceding subgroups of this group
• F01L 5/02 - Slide-valve gear or valve arrangements with other than cylindrical, sleeve, or part-annularly-shaped valves, e.g. with flat-type valves
• F01K 3/18 - Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein having heaters
• F22B 33/18 - Combinations of steam boilers with other apparatus
• F28D 20/02 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or using latent heat

Abstract

A method to store energy, the method comprising: (b) providing a phase change material, having a melting point of at least 500 °C, in a container (1); (c) heating the phase change material to cause at least a portion thereof to melt and so store heat therein; (d) storing the phase change material for a period of time being at least one minute; (e) using at least a portion of heat from the phase change material as a power source; (e) moving the container and the phase change material from a first location to a second location, the first and second locations being spaced apart by at least 10 metres. Embodiments of the invention may be used for a variety of purposes, such as for vehicle propulsion, oil well stimulation and recovery of crude oil from sunken tankers. A vehicle may be moved to a location proximate to where the power source is required which is more convenient and indeed allows steam to be supplied in areas which where hitherto not possible. For certain embodiments the power source produced is used to propel a vehicle comprising the power source. Certain embodiments use a Stirling (217) engine whilst others generate a steam source. In preferred embodiments steam is recovered after use as the power source and preferably reheated as per step (e).

IPC Classes  ?

• F01K 3/02 - Use of accumulators and specific engine typesControl thereof
• F01K 3/10 - Use of accumulators, the plant being specially adapted for a specific use for vehicle drive, e.g. for accumulator locomotives
• F28D 20/02 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or using latent heat