Bearing support for fluid bearing of closed cycle engine

Abstract

A linear motor includes a shaft, a piston assembly operably coupled with the shaft, a stator assembly supporting the shaft and housing a load device, and a bearing assembly supporting an end of the shaft. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing, a fluid bearing within the bearing housing, and a bearing support defining a support surface that engages the fluid bearing. The bearing housing includes an opening for receiving a shaft therethrough. Further, the support surface of the bearing support defines an arcuate profile to allow the fluid bearing to remain aligned with the shaft when the shaft is tilted during operation of the linear motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles having closed-cycle engines, and more particularly to a bearing support for a fluid bearing of a closed-cycle engine. Background Art

[0002] Large vehicles are used for efficient cargo transportation. Large wheeled vehicles tow trailers to transport large quantities of cargo over land. The combined weight of the vehicle and trailer, for a tandem-loaded trailer, can range from 30,000 to 140,000 pounds. These vehicles may be referred to as "powered semi-trailer tractors," "semi-trailers," "semi-trailers," or "trucks." Trucks can be used on highways and urban areas, but can also be used on unimproved roads or uneven terrain. In conventional trucks with internal combustion engines, the engine size can be in the 15-liter range to provide sufficient power to propel the vehicle and trailer.

[0003] Such vehicles can be designed with unique configurations that can integrate one of several different types of engines, such as closed-cycle engines, to generate electricity to charge the battery array under a variety of operating conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure, including the best mode thereof, is set forth to those skilled in the art in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0005] Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a wheeled vehicle capable of transporting cargo within an extended range in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0006] Figure 2 shows a detailed top view of an embodiment of a wheeled vehicle capable of transporting cargo over an extended range in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle shown in ;

[0008] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a closed cycle engine for a vehicle according to the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a closed-cycle engine according to the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 6 Shown along section line 6-6 according to the present disclosure Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a portion of a closed-cycle engine shown in;

[0011] Figure 7 Shown Figure 6 a detailed view of a portion of a cross-sectional view;

[0012] Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 a detailed view of a portion of a cross-sectional view;

[0013] Figure 9 a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a bearing support of a bearing assembly according to the present disclosure; and

[0014] Figure 10 A flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for operating a closed-cycle engine of a vehicle according to the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. The same or similar designations in the drawings and the description have been used to refer to the same or similar parts of the present disclosure.

[0016] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1-3 Various views of an embodiment of a wheeled vehicle 10 according to the present disclosure are shown along a longitudinal axis 13. Specifically, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Depicted are a side view and a top partial view, respectively, of a wheeled vehicle 10, such as a truck or semi-trailer tractor for towing one or more trailers carrying cargo. Figure 1-3 As generally shown in FIG, components of the vehicle 10 may include, but are not limited to, a chassis 12 that may support a plurality of axles 14; a cab 16; a compartment 22 containing a radiator assembly 28; an engine assembly 100 having one or more closed-cycle engines 102, 104 mounted on the chassis 12 rearward of the radiator assembly 28, e.g., external to the compartment 22; a hood 40 for accessing the compartment 22; an array of energy storage devices 30 (e.g., batteries); and an electric motor / generator 32 coupled to at least one axle 14. In addition, as Figure 2 As particularly shown in FIG, one or more closed cycle engines 102, 104 may be fluidly coupled to one or more fuel tanks 106. Figure 2 As shown in , vehicle 10 may be equipped with one or more power converters 108 , 109 coupled to an array of closed-cycle engines 102 , 104 and energy storage devices 30 .

[0017] In an embodiment, the chassis 12 may be formed by two frame members (e.g., C-shaped channels) arranged parallel to each other. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the axles 14 coupled to the chassis 12 may include a front axle 14A located below the compartment 22 and rear axles 14B and 14C located behind the cab 16 .

[0018] Additionally, in an embodiment, the compartment 22 includes a mount for supporting a radiator assembly 28. Thus, the radiator assembly 28 may be positioned at the front of the compartment 22 for cooling the enclosed closed-cycle engines 102, 104. Thus, in an embodiment, a coolant (e.g., ethylene glycol or some other antifreeze fluid) may be circulated through the radiator assembly 28 and the enclosed closed-cycle engines 102, 104 to remove heat from the enclosed closed-cycle engines 102, 104 and transfer the heat to the ambient air, as further described herein.

[0019] Special References Figure 3 The cab 16 may also include a system controller 18 for monitoring systems on the vehicle 10 and one or more environmental control units (ECUs) 20 with air conditioning and heating options. Figure 3 As shown, the front area 16A of the cab 16 may have a front ECU 20A for managing the cab temperature, and the rear area 16B of the cab 16 may have a rear ECU 20B for managing the rear area temperature. In such an embodiment, the front ECU 20A and the rear ECU 20B may be fluidly coupled to the compressor 46 and the refrigerant heat exchanger 48 as part of a thermal management system for the cab 16 air conditioning system and the energy storage device 30.

[0020] In an embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, vehicle 10 may also include an ambient air heat exchanger 42 for exchanging heat between energy storage device 30 and ambient air, and an exhaust heat exchanger 44 for extracting heat from exhaust gases to heat energy storage device 30 .

[0021] In addition, if Figure 1-3 As shown, an array of energy storage devices 30 can be positioned at various locations on vehicle 10. In some embodiments, as shown, energy storage devices 30 can be located on chassis 12. In some embodiments, energy storage devices 30 can be located between, under, or around the rails of chassis 12. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the array of energy storage devices 30 can be connected in series, in parallel, or in some combination thereof. Thus, in some embodiments, the electricity generated by generator 26 can be used to charge the array of energy storage devices 30.

[0022] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the motor / generator 32 can be coupled to at least one of the axles 14. For example, in some embodiments, the motor / generator 32 can be integrated with one of the axles 14 as an e-axle configuration, or located in the hub of a wheel coupled to one of the axles 14 as a hub motor / generator configuration. Additionally, embodiments of the vehicle 10 can include the motor / generator 32 coupled to a gearbox or differential. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the motor / generator 32 can be coupled to a three-speed centralized gearbox 36 with a two-speed rear differential 38 to provide six discrete gear ratios. In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 can be configured with multiple motor / generators 32, wherein a motor / generator 32 is coupled to each wheel or wheel pair. In addition, as shown Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, behind the cab 16 , the rear bag 34 may be configured to house one or more fuel tanks 106 for use with the enclosed closed-cycle engines 102 , 104 .

[0023] The vehicle 10 may also include a fan 60 positioned behind the first and second radiators 50, 52 and in front of the closed-cycle engines 102, 104 to draw air through the first and second radiators 50, 52 and toward the ground 74. For example, in an embodiment, the fan 60 is configured to draw the incoming airflow 56 into the grille 64, through the first radiator 50, through the second radiator 52, and then out of the vehicle 10 directly toward the ground 74.

[0024] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , various views of an embodiment of one of the closed-cycle engines 102 , 104 along a longitudinal axis A and operably coupled to a load device 112 are shown in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 4 A perspective view of an embodiment of one of the closed-cycle engines 102 , 104 according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 1 shows a cross-sectional view of one of the embodiments of the closed cycle engines 102, 104 according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, in an embodiment, closed-cycle engines 102, 104 contain a substantially fixed mass of engine working fluid, with heat energy being exchanged with the engine working fluid at respective cold-side heat exchangers 114, 116. In an embodiment, the engine working fluid is helium. In other embodiments, the engine working fluid may include air, nitrogen, hydrogen, helium, or any suitable compressible fluid, or combinations thereof.

[0025] In various embodiments, any suitable engine working fluid may be used in accordance with the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the engine working fluid may include a gas, such as an inert gas. For example, a rare gas, such as helium, may be used as the engine working fluid. Exemplary working fluids are preferably inert so that they do not typically participate in chemical reactions, such as oxidation, within the environment of the closed-cycle engines 102, 104. Exemplary rare gases include monatomic gases, such as helium, neon, argon, krypton, or xenon, and combinations of these gases. In some embodiments, the engine working fluid may include air, oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide, and combinations of these gases. In various embodiments, the engine working fluid may be a liquid fluid of one or more of the elements described herein, or a combination thereof. It will also be understood that various embodiments of the engine working fluid may include particles or other substances suitable for the engine working fluid.

[0026] In various embodiments, the load device 112 is a mechanical work device or an electric motor. In an embodiment, the load device 112 is a pump, compressor, or other work device. In another embodiment, the load device 112, which is a motor, is configured as a generator that generates electrical energy from the movement of the piston assembly 118 at the closed-cycle engine 102, 104. In yet another embodiment, the motor is configured as an electric motor that provides power to move or actuate the piston assembly 118, such as to provide initial movement (e.g., a starting motor). In yet another embodiment, the motor is defined as a motor and a generator or other electric motor device, such as those further described herein.

[0027] The heater body 120 is thermally coupled to the closed cycle engines 102, 104. The heater body 120 can generally be defined as any device for generating or otherwise providing a heated working fluid, for example, providing thermal energy to the engine working fluid. Various embodiments of the heater body 120 are further provided herein. Exemplary heater bodies 120 can include, but are not limited to, combustion or detonation components, electric heaters, nuclear energy, renewable energy (e.g., solar energy), fuel cells, heat recovery systems, or as a bottoming cycle for another system. Exemplary heater bodies 120 that can define a heat recovery system include, but are not limited to, general industrial waste heat, gas or steam turbine waste heat, nuclear waste heat, geothermal energy, decomposition of agricultural or animal waste, molten earth or metal or steel mill gas, general industrial drying systems or kilns, or fuel cells. In an embodiment, the heater body 120 that provides thermal energy to the engine working fluid can include all or part of a combined heat and power cycle, or a combined heat and power system, or a general power generation system.

[0028] In various embodiments, the heater body 120 is configured to provide thermal energy to the engine working fluid via heating the working fluid. Heating the working fluid can be based at least in part on heat and liquid, gas, or other fluids provided by one or more fuel and oxidant sources providing fuel and oxidant. In various embodiments, the fuel generally includes, but is not limited to, hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon mixtures, "wet" gases including a portion of liquid (e.g., wet gas saturated with liquid vapor, a multiphase flow having approximately 10% liquid and approximately 90% gas, natural gas mixed with oil, or other liquid and gas combinations, etc.), petroleum or oil (e.g., Arabian Extra Light Crude Oil, Arabian Ultra Light Crude Oil, light crude oil, medium crude oil, heavy crude oil, heavy fuel oil, etc.), natural gas (e.g., including sour gas), biodiesel condensate or natural gas liquids (e.g., including liquefied natural gas (LNG)), dimethyl ether (DME), distillate oil #2 (DO2), ethane (C2), methane, high H2 fuels, fuels including hydrogen mixtures (e.g., propane, butane, liquefied petroleum gas, naphtha, etc.), diesel, kerosene (e.g., jet fuel, such as, but not limited to, Jet A, Jet A-1, JP1, etc.), alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, etc.), synthesis gas, coke gas, landfill gas, etc., or combinations thereof.

[0029] In various embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the hot side heat exchanger 116 outputs thermal energy to the engine working fluid at the expansion chamber 122 of the closed-cycle engine 102, 104. The hot side heat exchanger 116 is located at the engine expansion chamber 122 and is in thermal communication with the heater body 120. In other embodiments, the hot side heat exchanger 116 can be separate from the heater body 120, such that the heated working fluid is in thermal communication with the hot side heat exchanger 116, or in addition, in fluid communication with the hot side heat exchanger 116. In a particular embodiment, the hot side heat exchanger 116 is positioned in direct thermal communication with the heater body 120 and the expansion chamber 122 of the engine 102, 104, so as to receive thermal energy from the heater body 120 and provide thermal energy to the engine working fluid within the closed-cycle engine 102, 104.

[0030] In various embodiments, the heater body 120 may include a single heat output source for outputting heat to a single expansion chamber 122 of the engine. Thus, the closed-cycle engine 102, 104 may include multiple heater assemblies, each heater assembly providing heat to the engine working fluid at each expansion chamber 122. In other embodiments, such as with respect to Figure 4 As shown, the heater body 120 may provide thermal energy to a plurality of expansion chambers 122 of the closed-cycle engines 102 , 104 .

[0031] The closed-cycle engines 102, 104 also include a cooler assembly, such as the cooler assembly 126 described further herein. The cooler assembly 126 is configured to receive and displace thermal energy from the compression chamber 124 of the closed-cycle engines 102, 104. Furthermore, in embodiments, the cold-side heat exchanger 114 is thermally coupled to the compression chamber 124 of the closed-cycle engines 102, 104 and the cooler assembly 126. In one embodiment, the cold-side heat exchanger 114 and the piston body 128 defining the compression chamber 124 of the closed-cycle engines 102, 104 are together defined as a unitary, single structure. In yet other embodiments, the cold-side heat exchanger 114, at least a portion of the piston body 128 defining the compression chamber 124, and at least a portion of the cooler assembly 126 together define a unitary, single structure.

[0032] In various embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cooler assembly 126 is the bottom loop of the closed-cycle engines 102 and 104. Therefore, the cooler assembly 126 is configured to receive thermal energy from the closed-cycle engines 102 and 104. The thermal energy received from the closed-cycle engines 102 and 104 at the cooler assembly 126 (for example, by the cold-side heat exchanger 114 or further cold-side heat exchanger 114 herein) is added to the cooler working fluid at the cooler assembly 126. In various embodiments, the cooler assembly 126 defines a Rankine cycle system, through which the cooler working fluid flows in a closed-loop arrangement with the compressor. In some embodiments, the cooler working fluid further flows in a closed-loop arrangement with the expander. In various embodiments, the cold-side heat exchanger 114 may include a condenser or a radiator. The cold-side heat exchanger 114 is located downstream of the compressor and upstream of the expander and is in thermal communication with the compression chamber 124 of the closed-cycle engines 102 and 104. In various embodiments, the cold side heat exchanger 114 may generally define an evaporator that receives thermal energy from the closed-cycle engines 102 , 104 .

[0033] Various embodiments of the closed-cycle engines 102 , 104 include control systems and methods of controlling the various subsystems disclosed herein, such as, but not limited to, the fuel source, the oxidizer source, the cooling fluid source, the heater body 120 , the cooler assembly 126 , and the load device 112 , including any flow rate, pressure, temperature, load, emissions, frequency, amplitude, or other suitable control characteristic associated with the closed-cycle engines 102 , 104 .

[0034] In an embodiment, a control system can control the closed-cycle engines 102, 104 and their associated auxiliary equipment to generate a temperature differential, such as a temperature differential between the engine working fluid and the heated working fluid and the cooler working fluid. Thus, the closed-cycle engines 102, 104 define a hot side (e.g., expansion chamber 122) and a cold side (e.g., compression chamber 124). The temperature differential causes the free piston assembly 118 to move within its respective piston chamber defined by its piston body 128. The movement of the piston 130 within its respective piston body 128 causes the motor to generate electricity. The generated electricity can be provided to the energy storage device 30 to charge it. The control system monitors one or more operating parameters associated with the closed-cycle engines 102, 104, such as piston motion (e.g., amplitude and position) and one or more operating parameters associated with the motor (e.g., voltage or current). Based on these parameters, the control system generates control commands that are provided to one or more controllable devices of the closed-cycle engines 102, 104. The controllable devices execute control actions based on the control commands. Thus, the desired output of the closed-cycle engines 102, 104 is achieved.

[0035] Still refer to Figure 5 , each piston assembly 118 is located within a volume or piston chamber defined by walls defining a piston body 128. The volume within the piston body 128 is divided by the piston 130 of the piston assembly 118 into a first or hot chamber or expansion chamber 122 and a second or cold chamber (relative to the hot chamber) or compression chamber 124. The expansion chamber 122 is located at the thermally proximal end of the heater body 120 and at the thermally distal end of the heater body 120 relative to the compression chamber 124. The compression chamber 124 is located at the thermally proximal end of the cooler assembly 126 and at the thermally distal end of the cooler assembly 126 relative to the expansion chamber 122.

[0036] In various embodiments, the piston assembly 118 defines a double-ended piston assembly 118 in which a pair of pistons 130 are each coupled to a connecting member 132. The connecting member 132 can generally define a rigid shaft or rod extending in the direction of movement of the piston assembly 118. In other embodiments, the connecting member 132 includes one or more springs or spring assemblies, such as those further provided herein, that provide flexible or non-rigid movement of the connecting member 132. In still other embodiments, the connecting member 132 can further define a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped connection between the pair of pistons 130.

[0037] Each piston 130 is positioned within a piston body 128, thereby defining an expansion chamber 122 and a compression chamber 124 within the volume of the piston body 128. The load device 112 is operably coupled to the piston assembly 118 to extract energy therefrom, provide energy thereto, or both. The load device 112 defining the motor is in magnetic communication with the enclosed closed-cycle engine 102, 104 via a connecting member 132. In various embodiments, the piston assembly 118 includes a dynamic member 134 positioned to be in operative communication with a stator assembly 136 of the motor. The stator assembly 136 may generally include a magnet array 205 and a plurality of windings 207 that are wound circumferentially relative to the piston assembly 118 and extend in a transverse direction L. In embodiments, for example, with respect to Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, a dynamic member 134 is connected to a connecting member 132. A motor may also be located between a pair of pistons 130 in each piston assembly 118. The dynamic motion of the piston assembly 118 generates electrical energy at the motor. For example, the linear motion of the dynamic member 134 between each pair of chambers defined by each piston 130 in the piston assembly 118 generates electrical energy via magnetic communication with the stator assembly 136 surrounding the dynamic member 134.

[0038] Still refer to Figure 5 In various embodiments, the hot side heat exchanger 116 may further define at least a portion of the expansion chamber 122. In embodiments, as further described herein, the hot side heat exchanger 116 defines an integral or monolithic structure with at least a portion of the piston body 128 to define at least a portion of the expansion chamber 122. In some embodiments, the heater body 120 further defines at least a portion of the hot side heat exchanger 116 to define an integral or monolithic structure with the hot side heat exchanger 116, as further described herein.

[0039] In addition, if Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the closed-cycle engines 102, 104 define outer ends 138 and inner ends 140 ( Figure 5 ). The outer end 138 defines the lateral distal end of the closed-cycle engine 102, 104, while the inner end 140 defines the lateral inward or center position of the closed-cycle engine 102, 104. In one embodiment, for example, Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the heater body 120 is located at the outer end 138 of the closed-cycle engine 102, 104. The piston body 128 includes a dome structure 142 at the expansion chamber 122. The expansion chamber dome structure 142 provides reduced surface area heat loss at the outer end 138 of the expansion chamber 122. In various embodiments, the piston 130 of the piston assembly 118 also includes a domed piston 130 corresponding to the dome of the expansion chamber 122. The dome structure 142, the domed piston 130, or both can provide a higher compression ratio at the chambers 122, 124, thereby increasing power density and output.

[0040] In various embodiments, for example, Figure 5 As shown, the load device 112 is positioned at the inner end 140 of the closed-cycle engines 102, 104, between the laterally opposed pistons 130. The load device 112 may also include a body 144 positioned laterally between the piston bodies 128. The body 144 surrounds and houses the stator assembly 136 of the load device 112, thereby defining a motor. The body 144 also surrounds the dynamic member 134 of the motor, which is attached to the connecting member 132 of the piston assembly 118.

[0041] Now refer to Figure 6-9 , showing various views of an embodiment of a bearing assembly 200 according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 Shown along section line 6-6 according to the present disclosure Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the closed-cycle engines 102 , 104 is shown in FIG. Figure 7 Shown Figure 6 Detailed view of a portion of a cross-sectional view. Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 Detailed view of a portion of a cross-sectional view. Figure 9 A perspective view of an embodiment of a bearing support of a bearing assembly 200 according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Special References Figure 6 The closed cycle engines 102, 104 include a piston assembly 118 ( Figure 6 202 of one of the shafts 202 (not shown). In addition, as shown, the closed-cycle engine 102, 104 includes a stator assembly 136 that supports the shaft 202 and accommodates the load device 112. Therefore, as shown, the bearing assembly 200 is configured to support the end of the shaft 202. More specifically, as shown Figure 6 As shown, the first bearing assembly 204 may support a front end 208 of the shaft 202 , while the second bearing assembly 206 may support a rear end 210 of the shaft 202 .

[0043] Furthermore, in the embodiment, Figure 6-9As shown, the bearing assembly 200 may include a bearing housing 212, a fluid bearing 214 within the bearing housing 212, and a bearing support 216 defining a support surface 218 ( Figure 7 Thus, in embodiments, the fluid bearing 214 described herein may be a front bearing, a rear bearing, or both of the closed-cycle engines 102 , 104 .

[0044] Special References Figure 6 , the bearing housing 212 includes an opening 220 for receiving the shaft 202 therethrough. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the support surface 218 of the bearing support 216 defines a curved or arcuate profile to allow the fluid bearing 214 to remain aligned with the shaft 202 when the shaft 202 tilts during operation of the closed-cycle engine 102 , 104 .

[0045] In certain embodiments, mechanical misalignment between the magnet array 205, the stator assembly 136, and / or the stator end on the shaft 202 may result in eccentric side loads on the shaft 202, as examples. In embodiments, the mechanical misalignment between these components may be caused by manufacturing tolerances. In addition to the eccentric side loads, random vibrations during closed-cycle engine operation may cause additional loads on the shaft 202. These loads may cause the shaft 202 to deflect in the closed-cycle engine, with the deflection being greatest between the first bearing assembly 204 and the second bearing assembly 206. As a result, the shaft 202 may tilt relative to the bearing assembly 200. Therefore, the curved profile of the support surface 218 of the bearing support 216 is configured to address such issues by allowing the fluid bearing 214 to tilt with the shaft 202.

[0046] In addition, if Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the bearing assembly 200 may further include a bearing sleeve 228 radially disposed outside the fluid bearing 214. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the arcuate profile can engage with the outer surface 231 of the bearing sleeve 228. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the bearing support 216 is at least partially positioned within the recess 230 of the bearing housing 212 , with the arcuate profile contacting the bearing sleeve 228 .

[0047] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the bearing assembly 200 may further include at least one O-ring, which is located in another groove of the bearing housing 212 and / or aligned with the bearing support 216 in the axial direction. Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the bearing assembly 200 includes a first O-ring 232 and a second O-ring 234, which are positioned in a first groove 236 and a second groove 238, respectively, and are arranged on opposite sides of the bearing support 216. In addition, the bearing assembly 200 may also include one or more O-rings 235 located on the axial surface of the fluid bearing 214.

[0048] Special References Figure 9 , the bearing support 216 has an annular shape. Furthermore, in an embodiment, as shown, the bearing support 216 extends from a first end 222 to a second end 224. Furthermore, as shown, the first end 222 and the second end 224 are spaced apart from each other and define a gap 226 therebetween. Thus, in such an embodiment, the first end 222 and the second end 224 of the bearing support 216 are spaced apart to facilitate installation of the bearing support 216 into the recess 230.

[0049] Now refer to Figure 10 , a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method 300 of operating a closed cycle engine having a cold side and a hot side of a vehicle. In general, reference will be made herein to Figure 1-9 The method 300 is described with reference to the closed cycle engines 102, 104 shown in FIG. However, it should be understood that the disclosed method 300 may be implemented with any engine having any other suitable configuration. Figure 10 For the purpose of illustration and discussion, the steps are depicted as being performed in a particular order, but the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosure provided herein, will understand that the various steps of the methods disclosed herein may be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or adjusted in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] Thus, as shown at (302), method 300 includes supporting a shaft of a closed-cycle engine via a bearing assembly having a bearing housing, a fluid bearing within the bearing housing, and a bearing support, the bearing support defining a support surface that engages the fluid bearing, the support surface of the bearing support defining an arcuate profile. As shown at (304), method 300 includes operating the shaft within the bearing assembly. As shown at (306), method 300 includes maintaining alignment of the fluid bearing relative to the shaft by allowing the arcuate profile of the bearing support to tilt when the shaft tilts during operation of the closed-cycle engine, wherein allowing the arcuate profile of the bearing support to tilt when the shaft tilts reduces a bending moment reaction of the bearing assembly.

[0051] Further aspects are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0052] A linear motor comprises: a shaft; a piston assembly operably coupled to the shaft; a stator assembly supporting the shaft and accommodating a load device; and a bearing assembly supporting an end of the shaft, the bearing assembly comprising a bearing housing, a fluid bearing within the bearing housing, and a bearing support member defining a support surface for engaging the fluid bearing, the bearing housing including an opening for receiving the shaft therethrough, wherein the support surface of the bearing support member defines an arcuate profile to allow the fluid bearing to remain aligned with the shaft when the shaft tilts during operation of the linear motor.

[0053] A linear motor as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bearing support has an annular shape.

[0054] A linear motor as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bearing support extends from a first end to a second end, the first end and the second end being spaced apart from each other and defining a gap therebetween.

[0055] A linear motor as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the bearing assembly further comprises a bearing sleeve arranged radially outside the fluid bearing, the arcuate profile engaging an outer surface of the bearing sleeve.

[0056] A linear motor as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bearing support is at least partially positioned within a recess in the bearing housing, wherein the arcuate profile contacts the bearing sleeve.

[0057] The linear motor according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising at least one O-ring positioned in another groove of the bearing housing and aligned in an axial direction with the bearing support.

[0058] A linear motor as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one O-ring comprises a first O-ring and a second O-ring disposed on opposite sides of the bearing support within first and second grooves, respectively.

[0059] A linear motor as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the fluid bearing is one of a front bearing or a rear bearing of the linear motor.

[0060] A linear electric machine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the linear electric machine is a closed cycle motor.

[0061] A bearing assembly comprises: a bearing housing; a fluid bearing positioned within the bearing housing; and a bearing support defining a support surface that engages the fluid bearing, the bearing housing including an opening for receiving a shaft therethrough, wherein the support surface of the bearing support defines an arcuate profile to allow the fluid bearing to remain aligned with the shaft when the shaft tilts during operation.

[0062] A bearing assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the bearing support has an annular shape.

[0063] A bearing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bearing support extends from a first end to a second end, the first and second ends being spaced apart from one another and defining a gap therebetween.

[0064] A bearing assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, further comprising a bearing sleeve arranged radially outside the fluid bearing, the arcuate profile engaging an outer surface of the bearing sleeve.

[0065] A bearing assembly according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bearing support is at least partially positioned within a recess in the bearing housing, wherein the arcuate profile contacts the bearing sleeve.

[0066] The bearing assembly of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising at least one O-ring positioned within another groove of the bearing housing and aligned in an axial direction with the bearing support.

[0067] A bearing assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one O-ring comprises first and second O-rings disposed on opposite sides of the bearing support within first and second grooves, respectively.

[0068] A bearing assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the fluid bearing is one of a front bearing or a rear bearing of a closed cycle engine.

[0069] A bearing assembly as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the closed cycle motor is a linear electric motor.

[0070] A method of operating a closed-cycle engine having a cold side and a hot side for a vehicle, the method comprising: supporting a shaft of the closed-cycle engine via a bearing assembly, the bearing assembly having a bearing housing, a fluid bearing within the bearing housing, and a bearing support, the bearing support defining a support surface that engages the fluid bearing, the support surface of the bearing support defining an arcuate profile; operating the shaft within the bearing assembly; and maintaining alignment of the fluid bearing relative to the shaft by allowing the arcuate profile of the bearing support to tilt when the shaft tilts during operation of the closed-cycle engine, wherein allowing the arcuate profile of the bearing support to tilt when the shaft tilts reduces a bending moment reaction of the bearing assembly.

[0071] A method as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the bearing support has an annular shape extending from a first end to a second end, the first end and the second end being spaced apart from one another and defining a gap therebetween, the method further comprising installing the bearing support in a recess in the bearing housing, wherein the arcuate profile of the bearing support engages an outer surface of the bearing assembly, wherein the first end and the second end of the bearing support are spaced apart to assist in installation.

[0072] This written description uses examples to disclose the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A linear motor, characterized in that: include: axis; a piston assembly operably coupled to the shaft; a stator assembly supporting the shaft and housing a load device; as well as a bearing assembly supporting an end of the shaft, the bearing assembly comprising a bearing housing, a fluid bearing within the bearing housing, and a bearing support defining a support surface for engaging the fluid bearing, the bearing housing including an opening for receiving the shaft therethrough, wherein the support surface of the bearing support defines a curved profile to allow the fluid bearing to remain aligned with the shaft when the shaft tilts during operation of the linear motor.

2. The linear motor according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The bearing support has an annular shape.

3. The linear motor according to claim 1, wherein: in, The bearing support extends from a first end to a second end, the first end and the second end being spaced apart from each other and defining a gap therebetween.

4. The linear motor according to claim 1, wherein in, The bearing assembly further includes a bearing sleeve disposed radially outside the fluid bearing, the arcuate profile engaging an outer surface of the bearing sleeve.

5. The linear motor according to claim 4, characterized in that in, The bearing support is at least partially positioned within the recess of the bearing housing, wherein the arcuate profile contacts the bearing sleeve.

6. The linear motor according to claim 5, characterized in that Further included is at least one O-ring positioned in another groove of the bearing housing and aligned in the axial direction with the bearing support.

7. The linear motor according to claim 6, characterized in that in, The at least one O-ring includes a first O-ring and a second O-ring disposed on opposite sides of the bearing support, positioned within the first groove and the second groove, respectively.

8. The linear motor according to claim 1, wherein in, The fluid bearing is one of the front bearing or the rear bearing of the linear motor.

9. The linear motor according to claim 1, characterized in that in, The linear motor is a closed cycle motor.

10. A bearing assembly, characterized in that: include: bearing housing; a fluid bearing positioned within the bearing housing; as well as a bearing support defining a support surface for engaging the fluid bearing, the bearing housing including an opening for receiving a shaft therethrough, Wherein the support surface of the bearing support defines a curved profile to allow the fluid bearing to remain aligned with the shaft when the shaft is tilted during operation.

11. The bearing assembly according to claim 10, wherein: in, The bearing support has an annular shape.

12. The bearing assembly according to claim 10, wherein: in, The bearing support extends from a first end to a second end, the first end and the second end being spaced apart from each other and defining a gap therebetween.

13. The bearing assembly according to claim 10, wherein: in, The bearing assembly further includes a bearing sleeve disposed radially outside the fluid bearing, the arcuate profile engaging an outer surface of the bearing sleeve.

14. The bearing assembly according to claim 13, wherein: in, The bearing support is at least partially positioned within the recess of the bearing housing, wherein the arcuate profile contacts the bearing sleeve.

15. The bearing assembly according to claim 14, wherein: Further included is at least one O-ring positioned within another groove of the bearing housing and aligned in an axial direction with the bearing support.

16. The bearing assembly according to claim 15, wherein: in, The at least one O-ring includes a first O-ring and a second O-ring disposed on opposite sides of the bearing support, positioned within the first groove and the second groove, respectively.

17. The bearing assembly according to claim 10, wherein: in, The fluid bearing is one of the front bearing or the rear bearing of the closed-cycle engine.

18. The bearing assembly according to claim 17, wherein: in, The closed-cycle engine is a linear electric motor.

19. A method of operating a closed cycle engine having a cold side and a hot side for a vehicle, characterized in that: The method comprises: supporting a shaft of the closed-cycle engine via a bearing assembly having a bearing housing, a fluid bearing within the bearing housing, and a bearing support defining a support surface for engaging the fluid bearing, the support surface of the bearing support defining an arcuate profile; operating the shaft within the bearing assembly; and The fluid bearing is maintained aligned relative to the shaft by allowing the arcuate profile of the bearing support to tilt when the shaft tilts during operation of the closed-cycle engine, wherein allowing the arcuate profile of the bearing support to tilt when the shaft tilts reduces a bending moment reaction of the bearing assembly.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that in, The bearing support has an annular shape extending from a first end to a second end, the first end and the second end being spaced apart from each other and defining a gap therebetween, the method further comprising installing the bearing support in a recess of the bearing housing, wherein the arcuate profile of the bearing support engages an outer surface of the bearing assembly, wherein the first end and the second end of the bearing support are spaced apart to facilitate installation.

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