Characterization of a dynamic micro heat engine with integrated thermal switch

Abstract

Progress toward the realization of an external combustion dynamic micro heat engine is documented. First, the development of a thermal switch suitable to control heat transfer to and from the micro heat engine is described. Second, the integration of a thermal switch with an engine is detailed. The thermal switch is shown to be an effective means to control heat transfer into the engine from a continuous heat source and out of the engine to a continuous heat sink. The use of the thermal switch is shown to enable engine cycle speeds up to 100 Hz, engine efficiencies up to 0.095% and power output up to 1.0 mW. The internal irreversibility of the engine is measured to be 23%.