WO2001051861A1

WO2001051861A1 - Heat engine and method of driving the heat engine

Info

Publication number: WO2001051861A1
Application number: PCT/JP2000/000112
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mikio Kinoshita
Original assignee: Mikio Kinoshita
Priority date: 2000-01-12
Filing date: 2000-01-12
Publication date: 2001-07-19
Also published as: AU2000220028A1

Abstract

A heat engine, comprising an engine having a displacement-variable first and second spaces, a heating device having a third space for hot heat source connected to the first and second spaces, a cooling device having a fourth space for cold heat source connected to the first and second spaces, a first valve arranged between the first and third spaces, a second valve arranged between the first and fourth spaces, a third valve arranged between the second and third spaces, and a fourth valve arranged between the second and fourth spaces; a method of driving the heat engine at high thermal efficiency, comprising the steps of switching the opening and closing conditions of the first, second, third, and fourth valves at a specified timing for achieving a high thermal efficiency.

Description

Description Heat engine and heat engine drive method

The present invention relates to a heat engine having a valve and a method of driving the same, and more particularly, to a heat engine used in a temperature difference power generation system and a method of driving the same. Background art

Various heat engines that convert heat energy into mechanical energy or heat engines that operate as heat pumps in the prior art have been proposed. However, the thermal efficiency of the conventional heat engine is lower than the theoretical thermal efficiency, and therefore, there is a problem that the thermal efficiency is significantly reduced when operating under a relatively low temperature difference operating condition. Further improvement in thermal efficiency is required for heat engines that operate as heat pumps.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and has as its object to improve the thermal efficiency of a heat engine. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to improve the thermal efficiency under operating conditions in a relatively low temperature range, for example, under operating conditions with a small temperature difference of not more than 200K (200 ° C). Disclosure of the invention

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an engine having a first space with a variable volume and a second space with a variable volume, and a high-temperature heat source connected between the first space and the second space A heating device having a third space; and A cooling device having a first space and a fourth space for a low-temperature heat source connected to the second space; a first valve disposed between the first space and the third space; A second valve disposed between the first space and the fourth space; a third valve disposed between the second space and the third space; A novel heat engine having a second space and a fourth valve disposed between the fourth space is provided. The first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space are filled with a gas, and the volume changes of the first space and the second space and The operation of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve causes the gas to flow with a change in temperature and a change in pressure.

This heat engine has means for switching the open / close state of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve at a predetermined timing.

The first space and the second space may be formed by a cylinder and a piston fitted in the cylinder. Alternatively, the first space and the second space may be formed by a rotary pump or a rotary engine having a curved surface defined by a pericolloid curve. Alternatively, the first space and the second space may each have a monolithic structure.

The heat engine is provided between the third space and the fourth space, a bypass passage provided between the third space and the fourth space, and provided in the bypass passage, and the third space and the fourth space are provided between the third space and the fourth space. And a prime mover that generates power using the differential pressure.

The heat engine further includes a thin film coated on an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, or a sealing member between the cylinder and the piston. It may be.

In order to accurately perform the movement of the piston, the heat engine further includes a biston bar connected to the piston, and bearing means for performing reciprocating motion of the piston bar under mechanical constraint conditions. You may have.

The gas is charged in a predetermined amount, but the gas may be charged at a high pressure. To reduce the density of the gas, the gas may have a light gas component such as helium, hydrogen, methane, neon, or nitrogen.

The heat engine may further include a gas recovery container having a leaked gas storage space for collecting the leaked gas. In this case, a pressurizing means for pressurizing the gas collected in the leaked gas storage space and filling the gas into the first space may be used.

The heat engine may further include a mechanism for converting the reciprocating motion of the piston into a rotary motion, for example, a crank mechanism. When a plurality of the heat engines are operated simultaneously, the crank mechanisms may be mechanically connected to each other.

When the heat engine is used in a power generation system, a generator is provided for the heat engine.

The heat engine may further include a power monitor, a pressure sensor, a processor and an information storage device, and / or an auxiliary power unit for accelerating the operation of the piston in order to preferably perform the operation. Good.

When a plurality of combinations of the cylinder and the piston are used, the plurality of bistones may be mechanically connected.

When the heat engine has a plurality of units including the engine, the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve, the plurality of units A heating unit connected in parallel with the heating device and in parallel with the cooling device.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an engine having a variable volume first space and a variable volume second space, and a high-temperature heat source connected to the first space and the second space A heating device having a third space for cooling; a cooling device having a fourth space for a low-temperature heat source connected to the first space and the second space; and a cooling device having a fourth space for a low-temperature heat source connected to the first space and the second space. A third valve disposed between the first space and the fourth space; a second valve disposed between the first space and the fourth space; and a third valve disposed between the first space and the fourth space. A third valve disposed between the second space and the fourth space, and a fourth valve disposed between the second space and the fourth space. Provided. The method of driving the heat engine includes: a step of switching the third valve from an open state to a closed state during a period in which the volume of the second space increases; and a tie that maximizes the volume of the second space. Switching the fourth valve from the closed state to the open state at or near the timing, and opening the first valve at or near the timing at which the first space has a minimum volume. Switching the state from the closed state to the closed state, switching the second valve from the closed state to the open state at the beginning of a period in which the volume of the first space increases, and setting the volume of the first space to a predetermined value. Switching the second valve from the open state to the closed state at a time when the value becomes a value, and closing the fourth valve from the open state to the closed state at the end of a period in which the volume of the second space decreases. Switching and closing the third valve at or near the time when the volume of the second space is minimized. And a step of switching the state or Hiraku Luo state, and a step of switching the first valve from the closed state during the period in which the volume of the first space is reduced in the open state. The driving method of the heat engine converts heat energy into mechanical energy. Used when

In the method of driving the heat engine, an operation of switching each of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve from a closed state to an open state is performed by switching the respective valves. It may be performed at a timing when the differential pressure becomes substantially zero. In this case, the loss due to the pressure difference is significantly reduced, and the thermal efficiency is improved.

When driving the heat engine having the bypass channel and the bypass motor provided between the third space and the fourth space, a difference between the third space and the fourth space is provided. The pressure is controlled within a predetermined range. When the operating conditions change, the predetermined range may be changed accordingly. In driving the heat engine having the pressure sensor, the switching operation of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve may be performed based on the detection signal of the pressure sensor. Good.

The gas expands in the second space, but the expansion ratio in the second space may change. That is, the expansion ratio is changed by changing the opening and closing timing of each of the second valve and the fourth valve. In this case, the timing at which each of the first valve and the second valve performs the opening / closing operation changes accordingly.

When the expansion ratio changes, the generated power changes. That is, when the heat engine is driven, the generated power depends on the expansion ratio. At the same time, the generated power is dependent on the frequency of the volume change of the second space. In addition, the power generated depends on the temperature of the gas. Similarly, the thermal efficiency in driving the heat engine depends on the expansion ratio, the frequency, and the temperature of the gas.

For this reason, by changing the expansion ratio in response to a change in load, Alternatively, the generated power may be changed. Alternatively, the expansion ratio may be changed so that the frequency has a predetermined value. Alternatively, the frequency may be changed by changing the expansion ratio. The driving method of the heat engine is based on temperature data on the temperature of the gas, and the first method corresponds to a combination of a predetermined expansion ratio of the gas and a predetermined frequency of volume change of the second space. The method may further include the step of determining the timing of the switching operation of each of the second valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve. This step may be performed by processing by a processor.

The driving method of the heat engine may further include a step of determining an expansion ratio of the gas based on temperature data on a temperature of the gas. The step of determining the expansion ratio may be performed by processing by a processor. ₍ The driving method of the heat engine is based on the temperature data and load data relating to the temperature of the gas, and the expansion ratio of the gas and the load ratio.) The method may further include a step of determining a combination with a frequency of the volume change of the first space, and the step of determining a combination of the expansion ratio and the frequency is performed by processing by a processor. This step may be performed for the purpose of improving thermal efficiency.

When optimizing the operation of the heat engine further including a power monitor, the method of driving the heat engine includes monitoring an output change when the timing of the switching operation of the first valve is slightly changed. In addition, the method may further include determining the timing of the switching operation of the first valve at which the output of the heat engine is maximized. Furthermore, when simultaneously operating a combination of a plurality of heat engines having a heat engine and a heat engine having no power monitor, the driving method of the heat engine includes at least a power monitor having the power monitor. The method may further include a step of performing a switching operation of a first valve of the heat engine not having the power monitor based on an operation of one heat engine.

Similarly, the driving method of the heat engine monitors the output change when the timing of the switching operation of the second valve is minutely changed, and monitors the output change when the output of the heat engine is maximized. The method may further include the step of determining the timing of the switching operation of the second valve. Similarly, the driving method of the heat engine monitors the output change when the timing of the switching operation of the fourth valve is minutely changed, and monitors the output change when the output of the heat engine is maximized. The method may further include the step of determining the timing of the switching operation of the valve of No. 4.

If the load increases, high thermal efficiency can be maintained by correspondingly increasing the frequency of the volume change of the second space _(in this case, the frequency is increased by the auxiliary power). This is quickly realized by using a process.

The method for driving the heat engine includes a starting step in which switching operations of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve are performed at a timing for starting. May be further provided.

The expansion ratio may be set within a region where the output decreases when the expansion ratio increases. High thermal efficiency can be obtained by selecting this region.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a novel method of driving a heat engine that operates as a pet pump by reversing the method of driving a heat engine that converts the heat energy into mechanical energy. I will provide a. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the inside of a heat engine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a biston position corresponding to the timing of switching the third valve of the heat engine shown in FIG. 1 from an open state to a closed state.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a biston position corresponding to a timing at which the fourth valve of the heat engine shown in FIG. 1 is switched from a closed state to an open state.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a biston position corresponding to the timing of switching the first valve of the heat engine shown in FIG. 1 from an open state to a closed state.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a biston position corresponding to the timing of switching the second valve of the heat engine shown in FIG. 1 from a closed state to an open state.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a piston position corresponding to a timing for switching the second valve of the heat engine shown in FIG. 1 from an open state to a closed state.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a biston position corresponding to a timing of switching the fourth valve of the heat engine shown in FIG. 1 from an open state to a closed state.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a piston position corresponding to the timing of switching the third valve of the heat engine shown in FIG. 1 from a closed state to an open state.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the biston position corresponding to the timing of switching the first valve of the heat engine shown in Fig. 1 from the closed state to the open state. It is a reminder.

FIG. 10 corresponds to a timing of switching the second valve of the heat engine from the open state to the closed state shown in FIG. 1 in the heat engine driving method according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which illustrates an example of a biston position.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the inside of a heat engine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the inside of a heat engine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cross section of a heat engine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the inside of a heat engine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the inside of a heat engine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the inside of a heat engine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the inside of a heat engine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the dependence of the thermal efficiency on the expansion ratio under one driving condition of the heat engine illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the expansion ratio dependence of the output per cycle under the driving conditions corresponding to FIG.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the dependence of the thermal efficiency on the expansion ratio under another driving condition of the heat engine illustrated in FIG. 0 FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the dependence of the output on the expansion ratio per cycle under the driving conditions corresponding to FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the dependence of the thermal efficiency on the expansion ratio under still another driving condition of the heat engine illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the expansion ratio dependence of the output per cycle under the driving conditions corresponding to FIG.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the drive frequency dependence of the thermal efficiency under still another drive condition.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the dependence of the output on the driving frequency under the driving conditions corresponding to FIG.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the drive frequency dependence of the thermal efficiency under still another drive condition.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of the drive frequency dependence of the output under the drive conditions corresponding to FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In order to describe the present invention in more detail, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the figures, identical reference numbers indicate identical or corresponding parts.

In FIG. 1, the heat engine 10 has a cylinder 21 and bistons 31. Both ends of the cylinder 21 are airtight. The piston 31 is provided in the cylinder 21. The space inside the cylinder 21 is separated by the piston 31 into a first space 71 and a second space 73 whose volume is variable. The piston 31 has a structure capable of reciprocating up and down in FIG. 1, and the first space 71 and the The volume of the second space 73 changes with the reciprocating movement of the piston 31. In this case, when the volume of the first space 71 increases, the volume of the second space 73 decreases.

When the heat engine 10 is driven to generate power, power is generated with the reciprocation of the biston 31. The power received by the piston 31 is transmitted to the outside through a power transmission mechanism and a Z or power conversion mechanism (not shown), for example, a biston rod and a crank mechanism and z or a power generator. When the heat engine 10 is driven for a heat pump, power is supplied to the piston 31 from a power source (not shown). That is, the piston 31 and the cylinder 21 correspond to an engine acting as a power generating engine or an engine acting as a heat pump. That is, according to the present embodiment, the first space 71 and the second space Ί3 in one unit of the engine are formed using a single cylinder 21 and a single bistone 31. You. This engine structure contributes to reduction of friction loss, improvement of thermal efficiency, cost reduction, or higher output.

The heat engine 10 has a third space 75 and a heating device 41 that operates as a high-temperature heat source, a cooling device 51 that has a fourth space 77 and operates as a low-temperature heat source, It further has a first valve 61, a second valve 63, a third valve 65, and a fourth valve 67. As the heating device 41, a heat exchanger characterized by receiving heat from an external high-temperature heat source, for example, a waste heat source of a power plant or a factory ゃ a heat storage unit, or solar heat or other heat energy A heating device that warms the gas with a source may be used.

As the cooling device 51, for example, a cooling device characterized by being cooled by heat of evaporation of a liquid, a device cooled by a low-temperature liquid, or a natural air cooling device is used. You may. Also, heat storage such as ice Two bodies or low temperature waste heat may be used.

Openings at both ends of the heating device 41 are connected to the first space 71 and the second space 73, respectively. The first valve 61 is provided between the first space 71 and the heating device 41, and when the first valve 61 is open, the first space Ί1 And the third space 75 are in communication with each other. The third valve 65 is provided between the second space 73 and the heating device 41, and when the third valve 65 is open, the second space 73 is provided. And the third space 75 are in communication with each other.

Openings at both ends of the cooling device 51 are connected to the first space 71 and the second space 73, respectively. The second valve 63 is provided between the first space 71 and the cooling device 51, and when the second valve 63 is open, the first space 71 is open. And the fourth space 77 are in communication with each other. The fourth valve 67 is provided between the second space 73 and the cooling device 51, and when the fourth valve 67 is open, the second space 73 is provided. And the fourth space 77 are in communication with each other.

These valves have a structure corresponding to the switching operation of opening and closing quickly at a predetermined timing. For example, there is a valve that operates electromagnetically. When driving the piston 31 in a short cycle, the first valve 61, the second valve 63, the third valve 65, and the fourth valve 67 each include: It is preferable that the open / close state be switched at a high speed, and from the viewpoint of reducing the dead volume, the connection of the space may be performed at a position other than the illustrated example. Further, the valve may be arranged at a position other than the illustrated example.

From the viewpoint of reducing the pressure loss of the fluid, the cross section of the gas flow path The product is designed to be equal to or more than a predetermined value.

In order to effectively perform heating in the heating device 41, the third space

In 75, means for increasing the contact area between the gas and the heating device 41, for example, a heat sink or a fine branch pipe structure may be provided. The temperature distribution of the heating device 41 may be designed to reduce thermodynamic irreversibility in heat exchange. Similar means may be provided for the cooling device 51.

When all of the first valve 61, the second valve 63, the third valve 65, and the fourth valve 67 are closed, the first space 71, The second space 73, the third space 75, and the fourth space Ί have a structure in which their airtightness is maintained. The first space 71, the second space 73, the third space 75, and the fourth space 77 are filled with a predetermined amount of gas. The pressure distribution of the gas when the heat engine 10 is stopped is arbitrary. For example, the first valve 61, the second valve

63, the third valve 65, and the fourth valve 67 are all open, and there is also a stop state in which the gas at the same pressure is held in all the spaces. As another example, a stop state where the pressure of the gas in the third space 75 exceeds the pressure of the gas in the fourth space 77 may be fc.

Hydrogen, helium, neon, methane, ammonia, nitrogen, air, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof can be used as the gas. As described below, it is preferable to use a gas having a low molecular weight. Since the output, that is, the power generated by the heat engine 10 increases with the pressure of the gas, it is preferable to fill the gas with a high average pressure in order to obtain a high output. 4 Ray

Further, in order to maintain airtightness between the first space 71 and the second space 3, a sealing member (not shown) may be provided on the piston 31. In addition, a lubricant, a bearing, a friction reducing mechanism, or the like for appropriately reducing friction may be provided. Even when dust containing hard particles is removed in the first space 71 and the second space 73, friction and wear are reduced. For example, when the number of dust particles having a particle diameter of 500 nm or more is maintained at 30000 or less per cubic meter, the friction and wear are effectively reduced.

The differential pressure between the first space # 1 and the second space 73 tends to be smaller when the piston 31 is located at the center of the cylinder 21. For this reason, even if the inner diameter of the cylinder 21 is slightly increased at the center, leakage of gas may not be a problem.

Further, the heat engine 10 may be provided with the engine (not shown). In this case, a plurality of units each including an engine and first, second, third, and fourth valves are connected to the cooling device 51 and the heating device 41 in parallel, respectively. May be.

Hereinafter, a method of driving the heat engine 10 will be described.

The operation of the heat engine 10 will be described. First, terms and symbols used in the following description are defined. That is, the first dead point indicates the position of the piston 31 where the volume of the first space 71 is minimum. The second dead point refers to the position of the piston 31 where the volume of the second space 73 is minimized. In the following drawings, when an arrow is shown near the piston 31, the arrow indicates the direction of movement of the piston 31. Also, in the symbols shown in the figure, open → closed This means that the valve close to the signal can be switched from the open state to the closed state. Also, closed → open means that the valve adjacent to the symbol is switched from the closed state to the open state.

The heating device 41 is at a higher temperature than the cooling device 51. For this reason, the temperature of the gas in the third space 75 is higher than the temperature of the gas in the fourth space 77.

In starting the heat engine 10, an operation for proper start may be performed. For example, the first valve 61, the second valve 63, the third valve 65, and the fourth valve 67 are all open and the same in all the spaces. For a stopped state in which the gas at the pressure of the following is held, increasing the pressure of the gas in the third space 75, and reducing the pressure of the gas in the fourth space 77 For example, a step of reducing the temperature may be performed. For example, when the third valve 65 or the fourth valve 67 is closed, the piston is reciprocated by auxiliary power, and the first valve 61 and the second valve are appropriately operated. By performing the opening and closing operations of 63 at appropriate timing, the pressure in the third space 75 can be increased and the pressure in the fourth space 77 can be reduced. As a result, the initial pressure distribution of the first space 71, the second space 73, the third space 75, and the fourth space 77 can be appropriately set. In this case, an extremely smooth initial operation can be performed. Regardless of the initial pressure distribution of the gas, the driving of the heat engine 10 is achieved by the driving method of the heat engine described below.

Hereinafter, an example of steps relating to the operation of this valve will be described in the order. That is, the driving method of the heat engine according to the embodiment of the present invention is described as follows: (1) The timing at which the piston 31 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. Switching the third valve 65 from the open state to the closed state (hereinafter referred to as the first step) during the period when the volume of the second space 73 increases. What

(2) The step of switching the fourth valve 67 from the closed state to the open state at the timing when the piston 31 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 3 (hereinafter referred to as the second step) At or near the time when the volume of the second space 73 is maximized,

(3) A step of switching the first valve 61 from the open state to the closed state at a timing when the piston 31 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 4 (hereinafter referred to as a third step) Is performed at or near the timing at which the volume of the first space 71 is minimized,

(4) A step of switching the second valve 63 from the closed state to the open state at the timing when the piston 31 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 5 (hereinafter referred to as a fourth step) Performed at the beginning of the period when the volume of the first space 71 increases.

(5) A step of switching the second valve 63 from the open state to the closed state at the timing when the piston 31 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 6 (hereinafter referred to as a fifth step) Performed at a timing when the volume of the first space 71 becomes a predetermined volume,

(6) A step of switching the fourth valve 67 from the open state to the closed state at the timing when the piston 31 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 7 (hereinafter referred to as a sixth step) Performed at the end of the period in which the volume of the second space 73 decreases.

(7) Step of switching the third valve 65 from the closed state to the open state at the timing when the piston 31 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. Referred to as the seventh step), which is performed at or near the timing where the volume of the second space 73 is minimized, and

(8) A step of switching the first valve 61 from the closed state to the open state at the timing when the piston 31 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 9 (hereinafter referred to as an eighth step) Which is performed during a period in which the volume of the first space 71 is reduced.

According to the driving method of the heat engine, the gas is transferred from the first space 71 to the third space 75, from the third space 75 to the second space 73, to the second space 73. It moves sequentially from 73 to the fourth space 77, from the fourth space 77 to the first space 71. In other words, the circulation of the gas occurs counterclockwise in FIG. 2-9. In this circulation, when the gas passes through the third space 75, the gas absorbs heat and its temperature rises, and when the gas passes through the fourth space 77, The gas releases heat and its temperature decreases. Hereinafter, the principle of the driving method of the heat engine will be described. By repeating the operation of the valve, the first space 71, the second space Ί3, and the second space 71 in the state shown in FIG. The pressure in the third space 75 is substantially equal, and the pressure in the fourth space 77 is lower than the pressure in the third space 75. The temperature of the gas in the fourth space 77 is lower than the temperature of the gas in the third space 75.

After the first step is completed, the piston 31 continues its movement away from the second dead center. Due to this movement, the gas in the second space 73 adiabatically expands. The timing at which the first step is performed is determined so that the expansion ratio of the gas in the second space 73 becomes a predetermined value. Here, the expansion ratio refers to the volume of the second space 73 at the time when the second step is performed and the volume of the second space 73 at the time when the first step is performed. It is divided by volume. If the timing of performing the first step is delayed, the expansion ratio decreases. In order to control the driving cycle and generated power of the heat engine 10, the timing at which the first step illustrated in FIG. 2 is performed may be changed. Further, the timing may be changed in accordance with the temperature change of the heating device 41 装置 the cooling device 51. On the other hand, the gas in the first space 71 and the third space 75 is compressed because the first valve 61 is open. When the volume of the third space is large, the pressure rise due to the compression becomes small.

The timing at which the second step is performed corresponds to the timing at which the differential pressure at the fourth valve 67 becomes substantially zero and the vicinity thereof.

Since the airtightness of the first space 71 is ensured between the completion of the third step and the execution of the fourth step, the gas in the first space 71 is Swell. The timing at which the fourth step is performed corresponds to the timing at which the differential pressure at the second valve 63 becomes substantially zero and the vicinity thereof.

After the completion of the fourth step, until the fifth step is performed, the low temperature that has passed through the cooling device 51 in the first space Ί1 due to the movement of the piston 31 Is introduced. At the same time, the gas after adiabatic expansion is introduced into the fourth space 77 and cooled. With this cooling, the pressures in the first space 71, the second space 73, and the fourth space 77 decrease. This is because the cooling of the gas after the expansion is performed in an equal volume manner. This pressure drop becomes significant when the volume of the fourth space is small. On the other hand, when the volume of the fourth space is large, this pressure change Is small. The timing at which the fifth step is performed is determined so that the mass of the gas introduced into the first space 71 becomes a predetermined value. After the fifth step is performed and before the sixth step is performed, the gas in the second space 73 and the fourth space 77 is compressed. At the time when the sixth step is completed, a predetermined mass of the gas is held in the fourth space 77.

After the completion of the sixth step, the airtightness of the second space # 3 is maintained until the seventh step is performed. Therefore, the gas in the second space 73 is further compressed. The timing at which the seventh step is performed corresponds to the timing at which the differential pressure at the third valve 65 becomes substantially zero and the vicinity thereof. That is, at the timing when the sixth step is performed, the differential pressure at the third valve 65 becomes substantially zero at the timing when the biston 31 reaches the second dead center. It is set as follows.

After completion of the seventh step and before the first step is performed, the high-temperature gas that has passed through the third space 75 is introduced into the second space # 3.

After the completion of the seventh step and before the eighth step is performed, the gas in the second space 73 and the third space 75 expands. When the volume of the third space is large, the pressure drop due to the expansion becomes small. In the third space 75, the gas expands isothermally and further absorbs heat from the heating device 41.

The timing at which the eighth step is performed corresponds to the case where the pressure difference at the first valve 61 becomes substantially zero.

After the eighth step is performed and before the third step is performed, the compressed gas in the first space 71 is introduced into the third space 75. And heated. During this time, the gas is heated in an isosteric manner after the eighth step is performed and before the first step is performed. Along with this heating, the pressures in the first space 71, the second space 73, and the third space 75 increase. This pressure rise becomes remarkable when the volume of the third space is small. On the other hand, when the volume of the third space is large, the change in pressure is small.

In the above operation, the force that the piston receives from the gas will be described.

Between the first step and the third step, the pressure in the first space 71 is higher than the pressure in the second space 73. As a result, the piston loses mechanical energy.

Between the third step and the fourth step, the pressure in the first space 71 is greater than the pressure in the second space 73. Thus, the piston obtains mechanical energy.

Between the fourth step and the fifth step, the pressure in the first space # 1 and the pressure in the second space 73 are almost equal, except for the portion caused by the pressure loss of the fluid.

Between the fifth step and the fifth step, the pressure in the first space 71 is smaller than the pressure in the second space 73. This causes the bistone to lose mechanical energy.

Between the seventh step and the eighth step, the pressure in the first space 71 is smaller than the pressure in the second space 73. Thus, the piston obtains mechanical energy.

Between the eighth step and the first step, the pressure in the first space 71 and the pressure in the second space 73 are substantially equal to each other, except for the portion caused by the pressure loss of the fluid. equal.

By summing up the gain and loss of mechanical energy in the above cycle, the piston 31 obtains mechanical energy. Here, since the switching operation of all valves from the closed state to the open state is performed at a timing when the differential pressure is substantially zero, the loss caused by the so-called dead volume is greatly reduced. In the case of performing a regular periodic drive, the first space 71, the second space 73, the third space 75, and the fourth space 77 during one cycle. The first valve 61, the second valve 63, the third valve 65, and the fourth valve 61, so that the mass of the gas flowing into each of the first valve 61 and the mass of the gas flowing out of the first valve 61 become equal. The timing of the operation of each of the valves 67 is determined. In particular, the timing at which the first step is performed and the timing at which the fifth step is performed are important.

If the timing of performing the first step is changed to change the expansion ratio of the gas in the second space 73, other steps are performed based on the driving principle of the valve. The timing of each changes.

Further, the volume of the third space 75 is secured to a predetermined value required for the driving. The volume of the third space 5 may be greater than the volume of the cylinder 21. Further, the volume of the fourth space 77 may be smaller than the volume of the cylinder 21. In this case, the power generated when the piston 31 makes one round trip can be increased.

The fourth space may have a structure in which a plurality of spaces are connected via a valve (not shown). Further, the third space may be one in which a plurality of dividable spaces are connected via a valve (not shown).

The order of the 18th step described above is based on the operation principle of the valve. The context may be partially changed. Also, some steps may be performed simultaneously. Further, when driving conditions such as an expansion ratio are changed in response to a change in the temperature or load of the gas, the order of the eighteenth process may be changed based on the above-described operation principle of the valve. .

For example, the fifth step may be performed between the seventh step and the eighth step. That is, the first step, the second step, the third step, the fourth step, the sixth step, the seventh step, the fifth step, and the eighth step The operation is repeated in order. That is, the fifth step may be performed at a timing when the piston 31 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. In this case, the timing for performing the fifth step is set so that a predetermined mass of the gas is retained in the fourth space 77 when the fifth step is completed. .

Further, the first step may be performed before or simultaneously with the eighth step. For example, the second step, the third step, the fourth step, the fifth step, the sixth step, the seventh step, the first step, and the eighth step The operation may be repeated in this order.

Further, the second step may be performed simultaneously with the third step or the fourth step. For example, the first step, the third step, the fourth step, the second step, the fifth step, the sixth step, the seventh step, the eighth step May be repeated in this order.

The heat engine 10 shown in FIG. 11 further includes a plurality of pressure sensors 111 having a sensor pipe 113 in addition to the heat engine shown in FIG. The first valve 61, the second valve 63, the third valve 65, and the fourth valve 67 Each differential pressure has a structure that can be monitored. The pressure sensor 111 is used when determining when to switch each valve from the closed state to the open state.

When driving the heat engine 10 at high speed, the time lag of the detection signal is corrected. The switching of the valve may be electromagnetic using a pressure switch. Alternatively, the valve may be switched using a processor that processes pressure detection data.

FIG. 1′2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the inside of a heat engine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

In the heat engine 10 shown in FIG. 12, the cylinder 21 and the piston 31 shown in FIG. 1, the compression cylinder 23, the expansion cylinder 25, the compression piston 33, And expanded bistone 35. The volume of the first space 71 changes with the movement of the compression biston 33. The volume of the second space 73 changes with the movement of the expansion biston 35. A driving method may be used in which the timing at which the volume of the first space 71 is maximized coincides with the timing at which the volume of the second space 73 is minimized. In addition, the volume of the compression button 33 may be smaller than the volume of the expansion button 35.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cross section of a heat engine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In addition to the heat engine illustrated in FIG. 1, a sealing member for biston 91 is further provided. The airtightness between the first space 71 and the second space 73 is improved by the piston sealing member 91. The piston sealing member 91 can be made of any material, for example, an elastic material such as rubber or a metal. Pistons and silicon with relatively low machining accuracy When a cylinder is used, an elastic body having a hollow interior and a structure in which a high-pressure fluid is held in the hollow interior may be used as the piston sealing member 91. Even when using a cylinder characterized in that the inner diameter at the center of the cylinder is smaller than the inner diameter at both ends, the hollow elastic body is used as the sealing member 91 for the piston. It may be done. Lubricants may be used as appropriate.

Further, a piston rod 101 is provided in the heat engine 10 illustrated in FIG. The piston rod 101 penetrates the walls of the first space 71 and the second space 73. A sealing mechanism 93 for biston rods is provided in each of the penetrating portions, and the first space 71 and the second space 73 are kept airtight. In addition, a pair of bearings for biston rods 15 1 are provided to add a mechanical constraint condition that makes the piston rod 101 movable only in the vertical direction in FIG. 13. The pair of piston rod bearings 15 1 allows the piston 31 connected to the piston rod 101 to reciprocate with high accuracy. The piston rod 101 may be provided with a crank mechanism and a generator (not shown).

In the heat engine 10 shown in FIG. 14, the cylinder 21 and the piston 31 shown in FIG. 1 are the same as the rotary compressor 81 having a first space (not shown) and the rotary compressor 81 (not shown). It is replaced by a rotary expander 83 having a second space. The volume of the first space changes with the operation of the rotary compressor 81. The volume of the second space changes with the operation of the rotary expander 83. Timing when the volume of the first space is maximized; A driving method for matching the timing at which the second space is minimized may be used.

In addition to the heat engine illustrated in FIG. 1, the engine further includes a bypass passage 133 and a bypass prime mover 131 disposed in the bypass passage 133. The bypass motor 13 1 converts the mechanical energy or differential pressure of the gas passing through the bypass passage 13 3 into mechanical energy. A pressure sensor 115 is provided in the fourth space 77 and monitors the pressure in the fourth space 77. The switching of the opening and closing of the first valve 61, the second valve 63, the third valve 65, and the fourth valve 67 so as to maintain the pressure of the fourth space 77 at a predetermined value. The timing may be decided.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the inside of a heat engine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 16, a pair of heat engines 10OA and 10B are arranged such that the second space 73 faces. The pair of pistons 31 are connected to each other by a biston bar 101. When the volume of the second space 73 of the heat engine 10OA is the minimum, the volume of the second space 73 of the heat engine 10B is the maximum. In this case, there is a period in which the force applied to the pair of bistons 31 is canceled, and a smooth reciprocating motion of the pair of bistons 31 is realized.

The heat engine 10 illustrated in FIG. 17 is a gas recovery system having an airtight leak gas storage space 1993 in addition to the heat engine illustrated in FIG. It further has a container 19 1 and a power monitor 14 1. The gas recovery container 19 1 is provided at the leak location. In FIG. 17, the piston rod 101 is provided in the penetrating part. The gas recovery container 191 is for recovering gas that has leaked slightly from the penetration of the piston rod 101, and is compatible with the use of hydrogen, etc. as the gas. It does. The pressure in the leaked gas storage space 1993 is equal to or slightly higher than the atmospheric pressure. In addition, pure gas is stored in the leaked gas storage space 1993 in advance. The leaked gas may be returned to the third space 75 by pressurizing means (not shown). The piston rod 101 is connected to a crank mechanism 161. The crank mechanism 16 1 is mechanically connected to a generator 17 1 and an auxiliary power means 18 1 via a rotation transmission mechanism 17 3. The power monitor 141 can be used for optimizing the drive of the heat engine, which will be described later.

In the following, in order to explain the relationship between the operating conditions when the heat engine illustrated in FIG. 1 is driven and the power, thermal efficiency, and power generated per cycle of the piston 31, a driving example is described. I will quote and explain. This driving example is thus considered for explanation, and is not described to limit the heat engine and the driving method according to the present invention.

First, the symbols shown in Fig. 18-27 will be described. The symbol TH means the temperature of the gas in the third space near the third valve. The symbol TL refers to the temperature of the gas in the fourth space near the second valve. The symbol ER means the expansion ratio described above. The symbol AIR means that compressed air is used as the gas. The symbol HYDROGEN means that compressed hydrogen is used as the gas FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the dependence of the thermal efficiency on the expansion ratio under one driving condition of the heat engine 10 shown in FIG. This corresponds to operation at a relatively small drive frequency of the piston. The thermal efficiency is maximized near the expansion ratio of 1.5, but decreases rapidly in the region where the expansion ratio exceeds 1.5.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the expansion ratio dependence of the output per cycle under the driving conditions corresponding to FIG. The output is maximum near the expansion ratio of 1.2. The expansion ratio of 1.5, at which the thermal efficiency is maximized, corresponds to the region where the output decreases as the expansion ratio increases.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the dependence of the thermal efficiency on the expansion ratio under another driving condition of the heat engine 10 shown in FIG. This corresponds to operation at a relatively small drive frequency of the piston. Compared with the driving conditions corresponding to FIG. 18, the temperature of the gas in the third space near the third: third valve is increased by 30. The thermal efficiency reaches its maximum near the expansion ratio of 1.8, and decreases rapidly in the region where the expansion ratio exceeds 1.8. As the temperature of the gas in the third space increases, that is, the temperature difference between the high-temperature heat source and the low-temperature heat source increases, the expansion ratio at which the maximum thermal efficiency is obtained increases.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the expansion ratio dependence of the output per cycle under the driving conditions corresponding to FIG. The output is maximum near the expansion ratio of 1.3. The expansion ratio 1.8, at which the thermal efficiency is maximized, corresponds to the region where the output decreases as the expansion ratio increases. As the temperature of the gas in the third space increases, that is, the temperature difference between the high-temperature heat source and the low-temperature heat source increases, the expansion ratio at which the maximum output is obtained increases. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the dependence of the thermal efficiency on the expansion ratio under still another driving condition of the heat engine 10 shown in FIG. This corresponds to operation at a relatively low drive frequency of the piston. Compared with the driving conditions corresponding to FIG. 18, the temperature of the gas in the third space near the third valve has decreased by 30 ° C. The thermal efficiency becomes maximum near the expansion ratio of 1.2, and decreases rapidly in the region where the expansion ratio exceeds 1.2. As the temperature of the gas in the third space decreases, that is, the temperature difference between the high-temperature heat source and the low-temperature heat source decreases, the expansion ratio at which the maximum thermal efficiency is obtained decreases.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the expansion ratio dependence of the output per cycle under the driving conditions corresponding to FIG. The output becomes maximum around the expansion ratio of 1.15. The expansion ratio 1.2 at which the thermal efficiency is maximized corresponds to a region where the output decreases with an increase in the expansion ratio. As the temperature of the gas in the third space decreases, that is, the temperature difference between the high-temperature heat source and the low-temperature heat source decreases, the expansion ratio at which the maximum output is obtained decreases.

From the results regarding the expansion ratio dependence of power and thermal efficiency disclosed above, the expansion ratio that achieves high thermal efficiency for a given load is determined by the expansion ratio that provides maximum output and the expansion that provides maximum thermal efficiency at low drive frequency. This is in the region where the power decreases as the expansion ratio increases in the dependence of the power on the expansion ratio.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the drive frequency dependence of the thermal efficiency under still another drive condition. Under the drive condition of the expansion ratio ER1.5, which can obtain high thermal efficiency in the low drive frequency range, the decrease in thermal efficiency with the increase in drive frequency is remarkable. On the other hand, under the driving conditions of the expansion ratio ER1.3, where the maximum output can be obtained, the thermal efficiency at low driving frequency is relatively small, The decrease in thermal efficiency with increasing operating frequency is relatively small.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the dependence of the output on the driving frequency under the driving conditions corresponding to FIG. In the low drive frequency region, the output increases as the drive frequency increases. However, the output decreases in the region where the drive frequency is excessively high due to the loss caused by the pressure loss of the fluid.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the drive frequency dependence of the thermal efficiency under still another drive condition. Hydrogen, a low-density gas, is used. The tendency of the compression ratio in the dependence of the thermal efficiency on the drive frequency is similar to the result described with reference to FIG. 24, but the decrease in thermal efficiency is alleviated even at a high drive frequency.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of the drive frequency dependence of the output under the drive conditions corresponding to FIG. The use of hydrogen allows operation at higher drive frequencies, resulting in a significant increase in output.

As disclosed above, in the driving method of the heat engine according to the present invention, the dependence of the thermal efficiency and the output on the operating parameters such as the driving frequency, the expansion ratio, and the temperature is required. This dependence can be determined experimentally. Alternatively, it may be calculated semi-empirically or a priori. Data relating to this dependency may be stored in the information storage device and referred to as necessary.

When a processor is used, it is possible to immediately determine the driving conditions relating to the driving frequency and expansion ratio that provide the maximum thermal efficiency for a given output. In addition, it is possible to determine a driving condition that can immediately obtain high thermal efficiency in response to a change in environment such as a gas heating temperature, a gas cooling temperature, or a load. When the expansion ratio is changed, it is necessary to change the timing for opening and closing the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve correspondingly. is there. Data relating to this may be stored in the information storage device in advance. Alternatively, it may be determined a priori or semi-empirically by processing by the processor. Instead, the operation of the valve may be optimized based on a detection signal obtained from a pressure sensor, a power monitor, or the like based on the above-described operation principle. When a power monitor is provided, the operation of the valve may be optimized by fixing the expansion ratio and determining the operation timing of each valve that provides the maximum power.

Other auxiliary means for suitably operating the heat engine according to the present invention, for example, temperature measuring means, torque meter, impulse measuring means, driving cycle measuring means, analyzing means and operation command means based on temperature data, thermal efficiency Expert system for improvement, prediction system for load, etc., means for adjusting average pressure of gas with auxiliary tank, etc., frequency conversion means for power generation, transmission, means for stopping some engines when load is small The present invention may be practiced with a heat storage means.

That is, the present invention disclosed herein provides a novel heat engine and a method for driving the heat engine. However, in light of the teachings disclosed in the above detailed description, the present invention can be implemented by The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment for explaining the embodiment, but may be implemented in other forms with various changes within the scope of the following claims. The present invention may be practiced without any additional features or components added to describe one preferred embodiment among them. 3 Industrial applicability

According to the heat engine and the driving method thereof according to the present invention, heat energy can be efficiently converted to mechanical energy using a heat source having a relatively low temperature difference. That is, improvement in thermal efficiency is realized. Furthermore, power generation using waste heat that has been conventionally discarded and power generation using natural energy with a low temperature difference, such as solar heat and deep seawater, are achieved. In other words, the present invention can be used to reduce costs, reduce fossil fuel consumption, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and use natural energy more effectively. Further provided is a heat engine operating as a heat pump and a method of driving the same.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. An engine having a variable-volume first space and a variable-volume second space, and heating having a third space for a high-temperature heat source connected to the first space and the second space. A cooling device having a fourth space for a low-temperature heat source connected to the first space and the second space; and a cooling device disposed between the first space and the third space. A first valve; a second valve disposed between the first space and the fourth space; and a third valve disposed between the second space and the third space. And a fourth valve disposed between the second space and the fourth space, wherein the first space, the second space, A gas is filled in the third space and the fourth space, and the volume changes of the first space and the second space, and the first valve and the second valve The third valve, and the fourth valve Heat engine the gas is characterized by flow isosamples with temperature changes and pressure changes by the operation of the.

2. Means for switching the third valve from the open state to the closed state during a period in which the volume of the second space increases, and a timing or a time when the volume of the second space is maximized. Means for switching the fourth valve from the closed state to the open state in the vicinity, and switching the first valve from the open state to the closed state in the vicinity of or at the timing when the first space has a minimum volume. Means for switching the second valve from the closed state to the open state at the beginning of a period in which the volume of the first space increases, and timing at which the volume of the first space becomes a predetermined value. Means for switching the second valve from the open state to the closed state; means for switching the fourth valve from the open state to the closed state at the end of a period in which the volume of the second space decreases; Tie with the smallest volume Means for switching the third valve from the closed state to the open state at or near the timing, and means for switching the first valve from the closed state to the open state during a period in which the volume of the first space decreases. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The heat according to claim 1, wherein the first space and the second space are formed by a cylinder and a biston fitted in the cylinder. organ.

4. The heat engine according to claim 1, wherein the first space and the second space are formed by a rotary pump.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first space and the second space are formed by a rotary engine having a curved surface defined by a pericolloid curve. Heat engine.

6. The heat engine according to claim 1, wherein each of the first space and the second space has a bellows structure.

7. A bypass channel provided between the third space and the fourth space, and a difference between the third space and the fourth space provided in the bypass channel. 2. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising: a motor that generates power using pressure.

8. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising a thin film coated on an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder.

9. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing member between the cylinder and the piston.

10. The heat engine according to claim 9, wherein said sealing member is an elastic body having gas or liquid therein.

1 1. The piston rod connected to the piston and the reciprocation of the piston rod 2. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising bearing means for performing a movement under a mechanically constrained condition.

12. The gas is charged at a high pressure, and the gas sequentially passes through the first space, the third space, the second space, and the fourth space. The heat engine according to claim 1, wherein the heat engine is a heat engine.

13. The heat engine according to claim 1, wherein the gas has a helium.

14. The heat engine according to claim 1, wherein the gas contains hydrogen.

15. The heat engine according to claim 1, wherein the gas is air.

16. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising a gas recovery container having a leaked gas storage space for collecting the leaked gas.

17. The heat engine according to claim 16, further comprising pressurizing means for pressurizing the gas collected in the leaked gas storage space and filling the first space. .

18. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising a crank mechanism that converts a reciprocating motion of the piston into a rotary motion.

19. The heat engine according to claim 18, wherein a plurality of said heat engines are provided, and said crank mechanisms are mechanically connected to each other.

20. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising a generator.

21. The heat machine according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the center of the cylinder is slightly larger than the inner diameter of both ends of the cylinder.

22. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising a power monitor.

23. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor.

24. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising a processor and an information storage device.

25. The heat engine according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary power unit for accelerating the movement of the piston.

26. The heat engine according to claim 1, wherein the heat engine has a plurality of combinations of the cylinder and the piston.

27. The heat engine according to claim 26, wherein said plurality of bistones are mechanically connected.

28. The number of dust particles having a particle size of 500 nm or more in the first space and the second space is 300000 or less per cubic meter. Heat engine according to paragraph 1.

29. A plurality of units each including the engine, the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve, wherein the plurality of units include the heating device. 2. The heat engine according to claim 1, wherein the heat engine is connected in parallel with the cooling device, and is connected in parallel with the cooling device.

Having 3 0. And E engine having a second space of the first space and the variable volume of the variable volume, a _third space for high-temperature heat source that is connected to the space及Pi said second space of said first A heating device; a cooling device having a fourth space for a low-temperature heat source connected to the first space and the second space; and a cooling device disposed between the first space and the third space. The first valve and the first empty A second valve disposed between the second space and the fourth space; a third valve disposed between the second space and the third space; and And a fourth valve disposed between the fourth space and the first space, the second space, the third space, and a gas in the fourth space. The volume of each of the first space and the second space that are filled and the operation of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve; A method of driving a heat engine, characterized in that the gas flows with a change in temperature and a change in pressure, whereby the driving method further comprises the third valve during a period in which the volume of the second space increases. Switching the four valves from the closed state to the open state at or near the timing when the volume of the second space is maximized, and One Switching the first valve from the open state to the closed state at or near the time when the volume becomes the minimum volume, and closing the second valve at the beginning of the period in which the volume of the first space increases. Switching the state from the open state to the open state; switching the second valve from the open state to the closed state at a timing when the volume of the first space becomes a predetermined value; and reducing the volume of the second space. Switching the fourth valve from the open state to the closed state at the end of the short period; and opening or closing the third valve from the closed state at or near the timing when the volume of the second space is minimized. A method for driving a heat engine, comprising: a step of switching to a state; and a step of switching the first valve from a closed state to an open state during a period in which the volume of the first space decreases.

31. The first space and the second space are formed of a cylinder and a piston fitted into a space in the cylinder, and the volumes of the first space and the second space 30. The heat engine driving method according to claim 30, wherein the change is performed by reciprocating movement of the piston.

32. The switching operation of each of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve from the closed state to the open state is performed when the differential pressure is substantially reduced. 30. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30, wherein the method is performed at a timing when the temperature becomes zero.

33. A method for driving the heat engine, wherein a bypass flow path is provided between the third space and the fourth space, and a bypass flow path is provided in the bypass flow path. A method for driving a heat engine further including a bypass prime mover that generates power by utilizing a pressure difference between the third space and the fourth space, wherein a pressure difference between the third space and the fourth space is determined by a predetermined value. 30. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30, wherein the driving is performed within a range.

34. The method for driving the heat engine is a method for driving a heat engine further including a pressure sensor, and a method for driving the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve. 30. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30, wherein a timing of the switching operation is determined based on a detection signal of the pressure sensor.

35. The method for driving a heat engine is a method for driving a heat engine that simultaneously operates a combination of a heat engine having a pressure sensor and a heat engine having no pressure sensor, and at least having the pressure sensor. Performing a switching operation of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve of the heat engine having no pressure sensor based on the operation of one heat engine; The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 34, wherein the method is characterized in that:

36. The method for driving the heat engine is a method for driving a heat engine further including a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure in the third space, wherein the pressure in the third space is a predetermined value. Controlling the timing of switching the third valve from the open state to the closed state so that the third valve is closed. 30. The method for driving a heat engine according to item 30.

37. The method for driving the heat engine is a method for driving a heat engine further including a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure in the fourth space, and the pressure in the fourth space becomes a predetermined value. 30. The heat engine driving method according to claim 30, wherein the timing of switching the second valve from the open state to the closed state is controlled as described above.

38. The first valve and the second valve corresponding to a combination of a predetermined expansion ratio of the gas and a predetermined frequency of volume change of the second space based on temperature data on the temperature of the gas. 30. The heat engine driving method according to claim 30, further comprising a step of determining a timing of a switching operation of each of said third valve and said fourth valve.

39. A tie of switching operation of each of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve corresponding to the combination of the predetermined expansion ratio and the predetermined frequency. 39. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 38, wherein the step of determining the mining is performed by processing by a processor.

40. The heat engine driving method according to claim 30, further comprising a step of determining an expansion ratio of the gas based on temperature data relating to a temperature of the gas.

4 1. The driving method _c 4 2 of the heat engine in the range 4 0 claim of claim the step of determining the expansion ratio is equal to or performed by the processing by the processor. Temperature data and load data relating to the temperature of the gas 31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising the step of determining a combination of an expansion ratio of the gas and a frequency of a volume change of the second space based on the above.

43. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 42, wherein the step of determining the combination of the expansion ratio and the frequency is performed by processing by a processor.

44. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30, wherein the expansion ratio of the gas is changed in response to a change in load.

45. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30, wherein the expansion ratio of the gas is changed so that the frequency of the volume change of the second space becomes a predetermined value.

46. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30, wherein the frequency of volume change of the second space is changed by changing an expansion ratio of the gas.

47. The driving method of the heat engine is a driving method for optimizing the operation of the heat engine further including a power monitor, and the driving method of the heat engine is a driving method of the switching operation of the first valve. A change in output when the timing is minutely changed is monitored, and a timing of a switching operation of the first valve at which an output of the heat engine is maximized is determined. 30. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30.

48. The method for driving a heat engine is a method for driving a heat engine in which a combination of a plurality of heat engines having a heat engine having a power monitor and a heat engine having no power monitor is operated simultaneously. 48. The heat engine according to claim 47, wherein a switching operation of a first valve of the heat engine without the power monitor is performed based on an operation of at least one heat engine. Drive method.

49. The method for driving the heat engine is a method for optimizing the operation of the heat engine further including a power monitor, and the method for driving the heat engine includes: Monitoring the output change when the timing of the switching operation of the second valve is minutely changed, and determining the timing of the switching operation of the second valve at which the output of the heat engine is maximized. 30. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30, wherein:

50. The method for driving a heat engine is a method for operating a heat engine in which a combination of a plurality of heat engines having a heat engine having a power monitor and a heat engine having no power monitor is simultaneously operated. The drive of the heat engine according to claim 49, wherein the switching operation of the second valve of the heat engine without the power monitor is performed based on the operation of at least one heat engine. Method.

51. The method for driving the heat engine is a method for optimizing the operation of the heat engine further including a power monitor, and the method for driving the heat engine is a method for switching the operation of the fourth valve. The output change when the mining is changed minutely is monitored, and the timing of the switching operation of the fourth valve at which the output of the heat engine is maximized is determined. 30. The method for driving a heat engine according to item 30.

52. The method for driving a heat engine is a method for driving a heat engine that simultaneously operates a combination of a plurality of heat engines having a heat engine having a power monitor and a heat engine having no power monitor. The drive of the heat engine according to claim 49, wherein the switching operation of the fourth valve of the heat engine without the power monitor is performed based on the operation of at least one heat engine. Method.

53. The heat engine according to claim 30, further comprising a step of increasing the frequency of the volume change of said first space by auxiliary power in response to an increase in load. Drive method. Four

54. When the heat engine is started, the switching operation of each of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve is performed at a timing for starting. 30. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30, wherein:

55. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30, wherein the expansion ratio of the gas is set in a region where the output decreases when the expansion ratio is increased.

56. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30, wherein said method has a period in which said gas after expansion is cooled by said cooling device in an equal volume manner.

57. The method for driving a heat engine according to claim 30, wherein the compressed gas has a period during which the gas is heated by the heating device in an isosteric manner.

58. The heat engine according to claim 30, further comprising a period for absorbing heat from the heating device by isothermally expanding the gas in the third space. Drive method.

59. The heat engine according to claim 30, further comprising a period in which the gas is isothermally compressed in the fourth space to release heat to the cooling device. Drive method.

60. An engine having a variable volume first space and a variable volume second space, a power source for generating a volume change in the first space and the second space, and the first space And a radiator having a third space for a high-temperature heat source connected to the second space, and a fourth space for a low-temperature heat source connected to the first space and the second space. A cooling device; a first valve disposed between the first space and the third space; A second valve disposed between the fourth space; a third valve disposed between the second space and the third space; and a second valve disposed between the second space and the third space. And a fourth valve disposed between the first space, the second space, the third space, and the fourth space. The body is filled, and the volume change of each of the first space and the second space; and the change of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve. A method of driving a heat pump type heat engine, wherein the gas flows with a change in temperature and a change in pressure due to an operation of the heat pump, wherein the driving method is performed while the volume of the second space is reduced. Switching the third valve from the closed state to the open state, and switching the fourth valve from the open state to the closed state at or near the timing when the volume of the second space is maximized. And switching the first valve from a closed state to an open state at or near the timing when the first space has a minimum volume. The volume of the first space decreases. Switching the second valve from the open state to the closed state at the end of the period; and switching the second valve from the closed state to the open state at a timing when the volume of the first space becomes a predetermined value. Switching the fourth valve from the closed state to the open state at the beginning of the period in which the volume of the second space increases, and at or near the timing when the volume of the second space is minimized. A heat engine having a step of switching the third valve from an open state to a closed state, and a step of switching the first valve from an open state to a closed state during a period in which the volume of the first space increases. Driving method.