stirling machine

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of energy conversion, and provides a Stirling engine, which comprises an energy conversion device and a linear motor, the energy conversion device is arranged to form an axial temperature gradient, the energy conversion device is provided with a buffer tube, one end of the buffer tube is communicated with an expansion cavity in the energy conversion device, the expansion cavity is located at one end of the energy conversion device away from the linear motor, and the buffer tube extends along the axial direction of the energy conversion device; the linear motor comprises a piston, a phase adjuster and a cylinder body, the piston can reciprocate in a second cavity of the cylinder body, the piston is slidingly and sealingly connected with the buffer tube, the phase adjuster is located at the other end of the buffer tube, the phase adjuster is slidingly and sealingly connected with the piston, a first cavity is formed between the phase adjuster, the piston and the buffer tube, and the first cavity is communicated with the expansion cavity through the buffer tube. The Stirling engine provided by the present application sets the buffer tube in the engine, and installs the phase adjuster in the linear motor, so that the phase adjuster is away from the energy conversion device, and the influence of high-temperature or low-temperature environment on the phase adjuster is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of energy conversion technology, and more particularly to Stirling machines. Background Technology

[0002] A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. There are various types of generators, such as thermoacoustic generators and hydroelectric generators. (Reference) Figure 1 As shown, taking a Stirling generator as an example, the generator includes an engine 01 and a linear motor 03. Multiple heat exchangers inside the engine create a temperature gradient within the engine. When this temperature gradient reaches a certain value, after excitation, the engine 01 can maintain spontaneous acoustic wave oscillation, converting heat energy into mechanical energy in the form of sound waves. The sound waves further drive the piston 04 of the linear motor to move relative to the cylinder 05, changing the magnetic flux in the electromagnetic component 06, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy output. The free-piston Stirling generator has advantages such as high efficiency, reliability, and environmental friendliness, and can utilize various forms of heat sources, showing broad application prospects. The phase adjuster 02 of the Stirling generator is located inside the engine 01. One end of the phase adjuster 02 operates at a high temperature, while the other end operates at a normal temperature. The large temperature difference between the two ends of the phase adjuster 02 places high demands on the materials, processing, and assembly technology of the phase adjuster 02, increasing manufacturing costs.

[0003] Similarly, in a Stirling refrigerator, the working process is the reverse of that of a Stirling generator. A Stirling refrigerator includes a linear motor and a cold finger (the structure of the cold finger is the same as the engine structure of a Stirling generator, but the energy flow direction of the cold finger is opposite to that of the engine). When electrical work is input to the linear motor, the piston of the linear motor is driven to produce reciprocating motion, and at the same time, mechanical energy in the form of sound waves is input into the cold finger, generating cooling capacity at the low-temperature heat exchanger of the cold finger. If a phase adjuster is installed inside the cold finger, one end of the phase adjuster operates at a low temperature, while the other end operates at a normal temperature. The large temperature difference between the two ends of the phase adjuster places high demands on the materials, processing, and assembly technology of the phase adjuster, increasing manufacturing costs.

[0004] Based on the foregoing, Stirling generators and Stirling refrigerators, which are devices that convert heat, mechanical energy, and electrical energy, can be collectively referred to as Stirling machines. The phase adjusters of Stirling machines have problems such as stringent material requirements, high processing and assembly difficulty, and high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes a Stirling machine in which a phase adjuster can be installed inside a linear motor by setting a buffer tube inside the energy conversion device, thereby keeping the phase adjuster away from high or low temperature environments and reducing the impact of temperature differences on the phase adjuster.

[0006] A Stirling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0007] An energy conversion device is configured to form an axial temperature gradient. The energy conversion device is equipped with a buffer tube, one end of which is connected to an expansion chamber inside the energy conversion device. The expansion chamber is located at the end of the energy conversion device away from the linear motor, and the buffer tube extends along the axial direction of the energy conversion device.

[0008] A linear motor includes a piston, a phase adjuster, and a cylinder. The piston can reciprocate within a second cavity of the cylinder. The piston is slidably and sealingly connected to a buffer tube. The phase adjuster is located at the other end of the buffer tube and is slidably and sealingly connected to the piston. A first cavity is formed between the phase adjuster, the piston, and the buffer tube. The first cavity is connected to the expansion cavity through the buffer tube.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversion device is provided with a reactor and a heat exchanger, the reactor and the heat exchanger forming an axial temperature gradient, and both the reactor and the heat exchanger are arranged around the outside of the buffer tube.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversion device is further provided with a connecting pipeline, the heat exchanger is located between the connecting pipeline and the reactor, and the second cavity is connected to the connecting pipeline, so that the second cavity, the connecting pipeline, the heat exchanger and the reactor form a connecting path.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the opening area of ​​the connecting pipe facing the piston is smaller than the end face area of ​​the piston.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting pipe is sleeved on the outside of the buffer pipe.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the energy conversion device further includes a shielding layer covering the outside of the reactor, the heat exchanger and the connecting pipeline, the linear motor including an electromagnetic component located on the outer ring of the piston, and the shielding layer separating the electromagnetic component from the fuel region of the reactor.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger includes a regenerator and a cooler. The regenerator is located between the reflector layer of the reactor and the cooler. The reflector layer is provided with a connecting hole, which connects the fuel region of the reactor and the regenerator in a radial direction away from the reactor. Multiple connecting holes are provided, and the connecting holes are connected to the connecting pipe.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the reactor is larger than the diameter of the heat exchanger, and a cavity communicating with the buffer tube is provided in the fuel region of the reactor.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the piston is in a gap-sealed connection with the buffer tube, and / or the piston is in a gap-sealed connection with the phase adjuster.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a flow guide is provided at one end of the buffer tube facing the expansion cavity, and the flow guide is provided with a plurality of flow guide holes.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger and the linear motor are provided on both sides of the expansion cavity.

[0019] The above-described one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention have at least one of the following technical effects:

[0020] The Stirling machine of this invention includes an energy conversion device and a linear motor. A buffer tube is provided inside the engine and extends along the energy conversion device to the linear motor. The buffer tube is movably and sealed to a piston inside the linear motor. A phase adjuster is located inside the linear motor. The buffer tube, piston, and phase adjuster restrict the exit of a first cavity. The first cavity is connected to an expansion cavity inside the energy conversion device through the buffer tube. The buffer tube keeps moving parts such as the piston and phase adjuster away from the high-temperature or low-temperature environment of the energy conversion device. The introduction of the buffer tube and the corresponding novel matching structure of the piston and phase adjuster can reduce the impact of temperature difference on the Stirling machine, reduce the performance and processing requirements of components such as the piston and phase adjuster, and optimize the structure of the linear motor.

[0021] Furthermore, the built-in reactor inside the energy conversion device can reduce energy transmission losses.

[0022] Furthermore, the radial dimension of the reactor's fuel region is larger than that of the regenerator, increasing the volume of the fuel region, making the reactor more likely to reach criticality, and reducing the requirements for fuel purity.

[0023] Furthermore, the linear motor is connected to the energy conversion device through a long connecting pipe and a shielding layer is arranged to reduce the impact of reactor radiation on the linear motor. The fuel area is also connected to the regenerator through connecting holes on the reflector layer. The connecting holes are distributed as evenly as possible between the fuel area and the regenerator to ensure that the regenerator is heated evenly.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Stirling generator provided in the prior art;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Stirling machine provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the Stirling machine provided in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 2 The difference is that, Figure 3 The diagram illustrates that the reactor is built into the energy conversion device, and that linear motors are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the energy conversion device;

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 01. Engine; 02. Phase adjuster; 03. Linear motor; 04. Piston; 05. Cylinder; 06. Electromagnetic components;

[0031] 1. Fuel zone; 2. Reflector layer; 3. Control rod; 4. Expansion chamber or cavity; 5. Connecting hole; 6. Regenerator; 7. Cooler; 8. Phase adjuster; 9. Connecting pipe; 10. Permanent magnet; 11. Stator; 12. Piston; 13. Shielding layer; 14. Flow channel; 16. Cylinder block; 19. Buffer tube; 20. First cavity; 21. Second cavity; 22. High-temperature heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise stated, "multiple," "multiple roots," and "multiple groups" mean two or more.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0036] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0037] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 The Stirling machine provided in the embodiment of the present invention will be described as shown.

[0038] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a Stirling machine, including: an energy conversion device and a linear motor. The energy conversion device is configured to form an axial temperature gradient. The energy conversion device is provided with a buffer tube 19. One end of the buffer tube 19 is connected to an expansion chamber 4 inside the energy conversion device. The expansion chamber 4 is located at the end of the energy conversion device away from the linear motor. The buffer tube 19 extends along the axial direction of the energy conversion device. The linear motor includes a piston 12, a phase adjuster 8, and a cylinder 16. The piston 12 is slidably connected to the cylinder 16 and is slidably and sealingly connected to the buffer tube 19. The phase adjuster 8 is located at the other end of the buffer tube 19 and is slidably and sealingly connected to the piston 12, so that a first cavity 20 is formed between the piston 12, the phase adjuster 8, and the buffer tube 19. The first cavity 20 is connected to the expansion chamber 4 through the buffer tube 19.

[0039] A Stirling machine can function as either a Stirling generator or a Stirling refrigerator. Taking a Stirling generator as an example, a temperature gradient is formed inside the energy conversion device. When this temperature gradient reaches a certain value, after excitation, the energy conversion device can maintain spontaneous acoustic wave oscillations, converting heat energy into mechanical energy in the form of sound waves. The sound waves further drive the piston 12 of the linear motor, and the movement of piston 12 changes the magnetic flux in the electromagnetic components, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy output. Taking a Stirling refrigerator as an example, the linear motor is driven by external electrical energy. The start of the linear motor causes piston 12 to reciprocate within cylinder 16. The mechanical energy of piston 12 is conducted to the energy conversion device through buffer tube 19, where the mechanical energy in the form of sound waves is converted into cooling energy within the energy conversion device, thus achieving energy conversion.

[0040] It should be noted that the Stirling refrigerator and the Stirling generator have the same structure but opposite energy transmission direction. Therefore, in the following embodiments, the Stirling generator is used as an example for explanation. The Stirling refrigerator also has the following structure and effects, which will not be described in detail.

[0041] In the Stirling generator, the energy conversion device becomes the engine; therefore, the term "engine" will be used in the following text.

[0042] A buffer tube 19 is installed inside the engine. The heat and spontaneous sound wave oscillation inside the engine are transferred to the piston 12 and the phase adjuster 8 through the buffer tube 19. At this time, the phase adjuster 8 is placed at the other end of the buffer tube 19 away from the engine. The position of the phase adjuster 8 is adjusted so that the phase adjuster 8 is away from the engine, avoiding the influence of the heat inside the engine on the phase adjuster 8. This can reduce the requirements for the materials, processing and assembly process of the phase adjuster 8, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0043] Piston 12 is sealed to the wall of buffer tube 19 and to the wall of phase adjuster 8, forming a first cavity 20 between piston 12, phase adjuster 8, and buffer tube 19. The first cavity 20 communicates with the interior of the reactor through buffer tube 19. Other parts of the first cavity 20 must maintain a tight seal. Buffer tube 19 is located inside the engine and extends axially along the engine; its structure is simple. The reciprocating motion of piston 12 causes gas to reciprocate along the path of the first cavity 20, buffer tube 19, and reactor.

[0044] The working principle of the Stirling generator is as follows: There is a temperature difference inside the engine, which creates a temperature gradient inside the engine. After excitation, the sound wave vibration inside the engine is transmitted to the piston 12 and the phase adjuster 8 through the buffer tube 19. The sound wave drives the piston 12 to reciprocate relative to the cylinder 16. During the reciprocating motion of the piston 12, the phase adjuster 8 reciprocates relative to the piston 12, so that the piston 12 and the phase adjuster 8 reach the set phase difference, eliminate the difference caused by the phase change of the sound field, and ensure that the piston 12 moves regularly to change the magnetic flux in the electromagnetic components.

[0045] It should be noted that the linear motor also includes an electromagnetic component, which includes a stator 11 and a moving component. The piston 12 is the moving component, or the moving component moves under the drive of the piston 12. That is, by moving the piston 12, the magnetic flux in the electromagnetic component can be changed to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. For example, the piston 12 is fixedly connected to the permanent magnet 10, or the piston 12 is a permanent magnet.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the engine is equipped with an annular high-temperature heat exchanger 22, a regenerator 6, and a cooler 7. A temperature gradient is formed along the axial direction of the high-temperature heat exchanger 22, the regenerator 6, and the cooler 7. The buffer tube 19 also extends along the axial direction of the high-temperature heat exchanger 22, the regenerator 6, and the cooler 7, thereby removing the phase adjuster 8 from the engine and optimizing the structure and performance of the Stirling generator.

[0047] in, Figure 2 The second cavity 21 is connected to the expansion cavity 4 through a heat exchanger in the engine (such as the high-temperature heat exchanger 22, the regenerator 6 and the cooler 7 mentioned above).

[0048] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figure 3As shown, the engine is equipped with a reactor and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the reactor. The engine is equipped with a buffer tube 19, one end of which is connected to the expansion chamber 4 inside the reactor. The buffer tube 19 extends along the axial direction of the engine. The temperature gradient inside the engine can be provided by the reactor and the heat exchanger working together. However, the reactor will affect the moving parts inside the generator. For example, the moving piston and phase adjuster may be easily jammed due to radiation swelling, which will affect the performance of the generator.

[0049] The engine has a built-in reactor, which avoids heat loss caused by heat transfer. The heat from the reactor serves as a high-temperature heat source, enabling the reactor and heat exchanger inside the engine to work together to create a temperature gradient inside the engine. When this temperature gradient reaches a certain value, after excitation, the engine can maintain spontaneous sound wave oscillation, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy in the form of sound waves. The sound waves further drive the piston 12 of the linear motor to move. The movement of piston 12 changes the magnetic flux in the electromagnetic components, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy output.

[0050] After the reactor was built into the engine, the phase adjuster 8 was placed at the rear (inside the linear motor), which solved the problem that the phase adjuster 8 was prone to swelling and deformation due to the strong nuclear radiation caused by its close proximity to the reactor, and was prone to jamming after a period of operation.

[0051] In this embodiment of the Stirling engine, the high-temperature heat exchanger of the engine can be a reactor with a certain flow channel 14 structure. Helium gas in the engine flows between the fuels and can directly absorb the heat released by the fuel as the driving heat source of the Stirling engine, thus forming a reactor power source. This eliminates the need for a dedicated fluid heat exchange circuit in the reactor, making the structure simpler and more reliable. Furthermore, the reactor's power is transferred to the piston 12 and the phase adjuster 8 through the buffer tube 19, keeping the phase adjuster 8 away from the reactor. This solves the problem of the phase adjuster 8 being easily jammed due to reactor radiation swelling, resulting in better structural stability of the phase adjuster 8 and thus more stable performance of the Stirling engine.

[0052] Among them, reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, along the axial direction of the buffer tube 19, the piston 12 and the phase adjuster 8 are sequentially distributed. The buffer tube 19 can be inserted into the piston 12 or sleeved on the outside of the piston 12, and the phase adjuster 8 can be inserted into the piston 12 or sleeved on the outside of the piston 12. The positions of the buffer tube 19 and the piston 12, and the piston 12 and the phase adjuster 8 are flexible and can be selected as needed. The connection points between the buffer tube 19, the piston 12, and the phase adjuster 8 must ensure sealing performance.

[0053] The buffer tube 19 and the piston 12 can be sealed by a gap. A gap seal can be understood as using a tiny gap between moving parts to achieve a sealing effect. That is, a tiny gap is set between the buffer tube 19 and the piston 12. The structure is simple and easy to assemble.

[0054] Similarly, the piston 12 and the phase adjuster 8 can also be sealed by a gap. Of course, the buffer tube 19 and the piston 12, and the piston 12 and the phase adjuster 8 can also be sealed by other means, such as dynamic sealing, which does not affect the motion performance and can ensure the sealing performance of the first cavity 20.

[0055] In some embodiments, a flow guide (not shown in the figure) is provided at one end of the buffer tube 19 facing the flow channel 14 of the reactor. The flow guide is provided with a plurality of flow guide holes. Gas entering the buffer tube 19 through the flow channel 14 can be diverted through the flow guide holes to prevent gas from entering the buffer tube 19 in the form of a jet.

[0056] This can be understood as the flow guide being installed at the high-temperature side inlet of the buffer tube 19. Of course, flow guides can also be installed inside the buffer tube 19 to ensure the uniformity of airflow inside the tube and suppress the occurrence of natural convection. The flow guide has a porous structure and can be a flow guide net, flow guide plate, etc. The specific structural form of the flow guide is not limited and can be selected according to needs.

[0057] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 As shown, the engine is also equipped with a connecting pipe 9, and the heat exchanger is located between the connecting pipe 9 and the reactor. The second chamber 21 of the cylinder block 16 is connected to the connecting pipe 9, so that the second chamber 21, the connecting pipe 9, the heat exchanger and the reactor form a connecting path. The piston 12 is located inside the second chamber 21 of the cylinder block 16, and the piston 12 can reciprocate within the second chamber. The reciprocating motion of the piston 12 drives the gas to reciprocate along the path of the second chamber, the connecting pipe 9, the heat exchanger and the reactor.

[0058] It is understandable that the passage between the second chamber and the reactor, and the passage between the first chamber 20 and the reactor, are separated by a piston and a buffer tube and are independent of each other, and the gas from both passages will enter the reactor.

[0059] refer to Figure 3 As shown, a cavity is provided within the fuel region 1 of the reactor. This cavity can be understood as an expansion chamber, and therefore, it is also labeled with the number 4. Gases converge or disperse within the cavity 4. Convergence can be understood as gas from both pathways entering the cavity 4, while dispersion can be understood as gas flowing out of the reactor and entering both pathways. Specifically, when the reactor includes a fuel region 1 and a reflector layer 2, the cavity 4 is formed within the fuel region 1, and the reflector layer has a flow channel 14 that connects the cavity 4 to the buffer tube 19.

[0060] In some cases, the fuel zone 1 inside the reactor is surrounded by a reflective layer 2, which is used to block radiation. The reflective layer 2 of the reactor is provided with a flow channel 14, which connects the cavity 4 inside the reactor with the buffer tube 19.

[0061] In some embodiments, the opening area of ​​the connecting pipe 9 facing the piston 12 is smaller than the end face area of ​​the piston 12, and the diameter of the connecting pipe 9 is smaller. This prevents radiation from the reactor from directly irradiating the electromagnetic components of the linear motor through the connecting pipe 9, reducing the harmful effects on the electromagnetic components and solving the problem of performance degradation caused by the high-intensity radiation from the reactor. Semiconductor materials in the electromagnetic components are susceptible to radiation damage and failure. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the electromagnetic components may include a permanent magnet and a stator located on the outer ring of the permanent magnet.

[0062] The opening area of ​​the connecting pipe 9 facing the piston 12 can be understood as, Figure 3 The connecting pipe 9 has a constant diameter, and the opening area of ​​the connecting pipe 9 remains unchanged along its axial direction. Figure 3 The variable diameter space at the right end of the connecting pipe 9 does not belong to the connecting pipe 9. This variable diameter space can be understood as the structure that adapts to the piston 12 and the cylinder. The end face area of ​​the piston 12 can be understood as the end face area of ​​the end of the piston 12 facing the connecting pipe 9. The piston 12 is positioned at the end of the connecting pipe 9 to block radiation from the reactor.

[0063] In some embodiments, the connecting pipe 9 is sleeved on the outside of the buffer pipe 19, resulting in a compact engine structure.

[0064] refer to Figure 3 As shown, the connecting pipe 9 is installed on the outside of a local section of the buffer pipe 19, which helps to reduce the size of the engine and simplify its structure.

[0065] In some embodiments, the connecting pipe 9 passes through the shielding layer 13 of the engine, the linear motor includes an electromagnetic component located on the outer ring of the piston 12, and the shielding layer 13 separates the electromagnetic component from the fuel region 1 of the reactor.

[0066] By increasing the length of the connecting pipe 9 and the buffer pipe 19, the distance between the linear motor and the engine can be increased, reducing the impact of fuel radiation from the reactor on the linear motor. Furthermore, a radiation-shielding layer 13 is installed on the outside of the engine to prevent reactor radiation from directly irradiating the components of the linear motor. The connecting pipe 9 passes through the shielding layer 13, and the buffer pipe 19 passes through the connecting pipe 9.

[0067] When the connecting pipe 9 reaches a certain length and its diameter remains small, the moving piston 12 and phase adjuster 8 are kept away from the reactor's radiation. Combined with the presence of the reactor's shielding layer 13, the piston 12 and phase adjuster 8 can completely avoid direct irradiation by fuel radiation in the fuel area 1, thereby slowing down or preventing the material swelling of the phase adjuster 8 and piston 12. It can also reduce the impact of the reactor on the motor and solve the problem that electromagnetic components in the linear motor are prone to failure due to the high intensity radiation of the reactor.

[0068] In some embodiments, the reactor diameter is larger than the heat exchanger diameter. Both the reactor and the heat exchanger are configured as annular structures, surrounding the outside of the buffer tube 19. The reactor and the heat exchanger have the same inner diameter, which is the same as the diameter of the buffer tube 19, while the reactor outer diameter is larger than the heat exchanger outer diameter.

[0069] By integrating nuclear fuel into the Stirling generator, replacing the original high-temperature heat exchanger, the overall structure of the reactor power supply can be simplified. By setting the diameter of the reactor to be larger than the diameter of the heat exchanger inside the engine, the problem of reactor criticality can be solved when the power and size of the Stirling engine are small. It can also reduce the requirements for fuel concentration and solve the problem of high cost caused by high fuel concentration.

[0070] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a regenerator 6 and a cooler 7. The regenerator 6 is located between the reactor's reflector layer 2 and the cooler 7. The reflector layer 2 is provided with connecting holes 5, which connect the reactor's fuel region 1 and the regenerator 6, thereby connecting the reactor's fuel region 1, the regenerator 6, the cooler 7, and the connecting pipe 9. The connecting holes 5 are distributed as evenly as possible in the reflector layer 2 to ensure uniform gas flow between the fuel region 1 and the regenerator 6, guaranteeing uniform heating of the regenerator 6.

[0071] In some cases, multiple connecting holes 5 are provided along the radial direction of the reactor to ensure that the fuel zone 1 can be uniformly connected to the regenerator 6 along the radial direction.

[0072] refer to Figure 3 As shown, the diameter of the fuel region 1 is larger than the diameter of the regenerator 6. Multiple connecting holes 5 are arranged radially along the fuel region 1. From the fuel region 1 to the regenerator 6, the connecting holes 5 are inclined downwards to make the fuel region 1 as uniformly connected to the regenerator 6 as possible.

[0073] Reflective layers 2 are provided at both ends and on both the inner and outer sides of fuel region 1. The inner side faces the buffer tube 19, and the outer side is away from the buffer tube 19. The two ends can be understood as the area between fuel region 1 and the heat exchanger. A control drum or control rod 3 is provided on the outer side of fuel region 1 to control the reactor power. Reflective layers 2 are provided in areas where control drums or control rods 3 are not provided. Fuel region 1 is symmetrically arranged, and a cavity 4 is provided within fuel region 1. The cavity 4 is located between two symmetrical fuel parts and is used to collect or disperse airflow. Gas in the cavity 4 can enter and exit the buffer tube 19 through the flow channel 14 on the inner reflective layer 2 of fuel region 1. The diameter of fuel region 1 can be larger than the diameter of regenerator 6. Increasing the size of fuel region 1 is beneficial for achieving fuel criticality or reducing fuel concentration, which can improve the criticality performance of the reactor. Uniformly distributed connecting holes 5 are provided on the reflective layer 2 between fuel region 1 and regenerator 6 to connect fuel region 1 and regenerator 6 and ensure uniform airflow distribution.

[0074] In some embodiments, heat exchangers and linear motors are provided on both sides of the reactor. This can be understood as the two sides of the reactor (e.g., Figure 3 A heat exchanger and a linear motor are installed on each of the left and right sides of the reactor. The reactor has a symmetrical structure on both sides to counteract the vibrations generated by the moving parts.

[0075] refer to Figure 3 As shown, the reactor has a left-right symmetrical structure, and combined with the symmetrical heat exchangers and linear motors, the Stirling engine is arranged in a left-right symmetrical manner.

[0076] In some cases, linear motors are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the engine axis, that is, two sets of electromagnetic components are set at each end of the engine (left and right ends). The electromagnetic components are arranged vertically to minimize radiation to the electromagnetic components. The linear motors on each side of the engine can be arranged in an opposing manner. Even if a small amount of radiation passes through the connecting pipe 9, it will not directly irradiate the moving parts such as the piston 12 of the linear motor, let alone the electromagnetic components, thus ensuring the reliability of the Stirling engine operation.

[0077] In conjunction with the above, the Stirling engine provided in this embodiment of the invention, taking the Stirling Stirling engine as an example, can improve the critical performance of the reactor and reduce the impact of the reactor on the performance of the Stirling engine. The heat exchanger of the Stirling Stirling engine includes a regenerator 6 and a cooler 7. The reactor, regenerator 6, and cooler 7 are distributed along the axial direction of the engine, all in a ring structure and connected in sequence. A buffer tube 19 passes through the axis of the reactor, regenerator 6, and cooler 7, and extends into the first cavity 20 formed by the piston 12 and the phase adjuster 8, so that the buffer tube 19 is connected to the first cavity 20. The acoustic power flowing out from the flow channel 14 of the reactor enters the first cavity 20 of the piston 12 through the buffer tube 19 and transmits the power to the piston 12. The sound waves drive the piston 12 and the permanent magnet 10 to reciprocate, changing the magnetic flux in the stator 11 coil, so that the piston 12 absorbs part of the acoustic power and converts it into electrical energy output, while the other part is fed back to the heat exchanger through the connecting pipe 9 to start a new round of heat-power conversion. One end of the buffer tube 19 is connected to the high-temperature reactor. The buffer tube 19 should be made of heat-insulating structural materials as much as possible to reduce the heat exchange between the internal gas and the external components through the wall.

[0078] Furthermore, in the Stirling engine of this embodiment, the radial dimension of the fuel region 1 is increased relative to the regenerator 6, making the reactor more likely to reach criticality; the reflective layer 2 between the fuel region 1 and the regenerator 6 has evenly distributed connecting holes 5, the linear motor and the engine are connected by a long connecting pipe 9, and a shielding layer 13 is arranged on the outside of the reactor and the heat exchanger to reduce the influence of radiation on the linear motor.

[0079] The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention and should be covered within the scope of the claims of the invention.

Claims

1. A Stirling machine characterised in that, The energy conversion device is arranged to form an axial temperature gradient, and is provided with a buffer tube, one end of the buffer tube being communicated with an expansion cavity in the energy conversion device, the expansion cavity being located at an end of the energy conversion device away from the linear motor, the buffer tube extending along the axial direction of the energy conversion device, and a heat exchanger being arranged in the energy conversion device and surrounding the outside of the buffer tube at the end close to the expansion cavity. The linear motor comprises a piston, a phase adjuster and a cylinder, the piston reciprocating in a second cavity of the cylinder, the piston being slidingly and sealingly connected to the buffer tube, the phase adjuster being located at the other end of the buffer tube and slidingly and sealingly connected to the piston, the phase adjuster reciprocating relative to the piston, a first cavity being formed between the phase adjuster, the piston and the buffer tube, and the first cavity being communicated with the expansion cavity through the buffer tube. The energy conversion device is further provided with a reactor, the reactor and the heat exchanger surrounding the outside of the buffer tube and forming a temperature gradient in the axial direction.

2. A Stirling machine according to claim 1, characterised in that, The energy conversion device is further provided with a communication pipeline, the heat exchanger being located between the communication pipeline and the reactor, and the second cavity being communicated with the communication pipeline to form a communication path of the second cavity, the communication pipeline, the heat exchanger and the reactor.

3. A Stirling machine according to claim 2, characterised in that, The communication pipeline is sleeved outside the buffer tube, and the opening area of the communication pipeline towards the piston is smaller than the end surface area of the piston.

4. A Stirling machine according to claim 3, characterised in that, The energy conversion device further comprises a shielding layer, the shielding layer surrounding the outside of the reactor, the heat exchanger and the communication pipeline, the linear motor comprising an electromagnetic component, the electromagnetic component being located at the outer circle of the piston, and the shielding layer separating the electromagnetic component and the fuel area of the reactor.

5. A Stirling machine according to claim 3, wherein The heat exchanger comprises a regenerator and a cooler, the regenerator being located between a reflector of the reactor and the cooler, the reflector being provided with a communication hole, the communication hole being communicated with the fuel area of the reactor and the regenerator, the communication hole being arranged in the radial direction away from the reactor, and a plurality of communication holes being arranged, the communication holes being communicated with the communication pipeline.

6. A Stirling machine according to claim 3, wherein The diameter of the reactor is larger than the diameter of the heat exchanger, and a cavity communicated with the buffer tube is arranged in the fuel area of the reactor.

7. A Stirling machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, The piston is gap-sealingly connected to the buffer tube, and / or the piston is gap-sealingly connected to the phase adjuster.

8. A Stirling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The end of the buffer tube towards the expansion cavity is provided with a flow guide, the flow guide being provided with a plurality of flow guide holes.

9. A Stirling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein Heat exchangers are arranged on both sides of the expansion cavity and the linear motor.

10. A Stirling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein ​

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