Stirling engine preheater with the matrix integral with the flow directional valves

Abstract From the Canadian patent

An external heating circuit for a Stirling engine is disclosed. An integral valve control and preheater matrix is employed to effect heat exchange and to reduce heat flow losses due to trapped gases in the circuit. The control and matrix are preferably constructed to be thin or plate-like in configuration and are reciprocally moved between different gaseous flow paths to effect heat flow reversal. Gaseous flow may or may not be reversed through the matrix as a result of heat flow reversal. Close or zero clearance between the valve seats and valve faces is maintained in the preferred embodiment. Valve movement is intermittent reciprocation or rotation during only a momentary period of …